Algerian Olympic boxer in gender row advances after opponent retires

Controversial Algerian boxer Imane Khelif advanced to the quarterfinals of the women's Olympic 66kg category after her Italian opponent retired just 46 seconds into their last 16 clash.

Angela Carini threw in the towel in the first minute of her meeting with Khelif, whose presence in the tournament has stoked controversy after she failed a gender eligibility test last year.

It was not immediately clear why Carini chose to quit the bout.

Algeria's Olympic Committee earlier Thursday leapt to the defence of Khelif, criticising "unethical attacks" on the boxer, who was disqualified from the world championships last year but deemed eligible to fight in Paris.