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Women's boxing will make its full Olympic debut at the 2012 London Games.
The historic decision was taken by the executive board of the International Olympic Committee in Berlin today.
Boxing had been the only all-male event at the Olympics but in 2012 one men's weight category will be axed to make way for a women's competition.
The IOC's board also agreed to include two new sports — rugby sevens and golf — in the 2016 Olympics.
British boxing chiefs welcomed the inclusion of the women's event, which they said could improve Britain's medal haul. Women's boxing is growing at gras roots level with more than 700 registered boxers and 35 per cent of the country's 250 clubs accommodating women and girls.
Derek Mapp, chairman of the British Amateur Boxing Association, said: “Today's historic decision is good news for boxing and good news for the 2012 Olympics. Boxing is an accessible sport with broad appeal and its proven ability to reach and inspire the most socially excluded people and communities will make a meaningful contribution to the delivery of 2012's sporting legacy.”
Fighter Hannah Beharry, 22, from Acton, is a double bronze medallist at the EU Championships. She said today: “The opportunity to take part in the Olympics, especially in my home city of London, is a huge opportunity and will really help to inspire me and all the other women at my boxing club.”
The international boxing federation, AIBA, proposed that 40 female boxers compete, with eight in each of five weight categories from lightweight 47kg (104lb) to middleweight 75kg (165lb). Men's boxing will lose 40 places.
The IOC rejected women's boxing four years ago amid fears of dangerous mismatches because there were not enough nations competing. Since then the number has risen to about 120 — almost double the minimum requirement.
Rebecca Gibson, national women's boxing development manager at the Amateur Boxing Association of England, added: “The decision reflects the increasing popularity of women's boxing at every level.”
