Boxing move welcomed

Women will compete in three weight divisions as the last remaining all-male summer sport finally saw its doors opened to both sexes. The popularity of female boxing has soared in recent years and there almost 700 registered participants in Great Britain, who are able to call on a strong team to qualify for the next Olympics.

"This move is a massive boost for women's boxing and will give female boxers the chance to showcase their talents on the biggest sporting stage," Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe said.

"I'm sure that our British talent will relish the opportunity to compete in front of a home crowd in 2012, raising the profile of women's boxing at all levels."

Mayor of London Boris Johnson, a supporter of grass roots boxing in the capital, hopes the news will result in greater numbers becoming involved across the sport.

"It's wonderful that women will now be able to showcase their sparring skills and compete at the greatest sporting event in the world," he said.

"Their addition to the 2012 Games creates a fantastic new dimension which will attract thousands more followers and legions of fans for the sport over the coming years.

"I intend to use this once in a lifetime opportunity to get more London adults and youngsters involved in sport."

Bradford's Nicola Adams became Great Britain's first World Championship medallist when she won silver in China last year and is sure to carry the nation's hopes at London 2012.

Rebecca Gibson, the National Women's Boxing Development Manager at the Amateur Boxing Association of England (ABAE), said: "The decision reflects the increasing popularity of women's boxing at every level. The expansion of the pool of talent saw our boxers win a number of gold medals at the recent EU Championships and this can only auger well for Team GB's medal prospects at 2012."