New comments on boxing issue: Khalif: It is being exploited politically

Khalifa received huge criticism after winning his first fight in the under-66kg Olympic boxing competition by defeating Italian fighter Carini.

“What bothers me most is that the media has been talking more about this issue these days than about the medals won by the athletes, who have prepared for this event for years,” Malago said in a statement reported by Italy’s Tuttosport newspaper.

The Algerian champion’s first fight in the competition was decided in 46 seconds, which triggered a violent campaign against her led by several world celebrities.

He added: “Angela, who is being used for today’s political purposes, told me that she was under pressure from the International Boxing Federation a few days before the fight and I told her to ignore her and just focus on the fight.”

He concluded: “To be clear, I have received documents from the IOC’s top medical body regarding the regularity of Khalif’s participation in competitions. So I think what is being said is gossip and I am surprised why the issue has become a political one.”