Women's boxing to be included in next Commonwelth Games

Paul Dancey on 05/10/2012

Following a successful début at this year's London Olympics, the announcement that Women's boxing is to be included in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014 is seen as another another significant step towards full international recognition for the sport.

"This inclusion demonstrates the continued growth in popularity of women's boxing that I wish to continue promoting even further," Dr Ching-Kuo Wu president of the International Boxing Association said in a statement, "Women boxers have reached world-class levels over the last couple of years and the Commonwealth Games will be another opportunity for these athletes to showcase their talents."

This will be the first time women's boxing has been included in the Commonwealth Games, and as was the case at London 2012, they will be able to compete three weight categories, flyweight (50 kg), lightweight (60 kg) and middleweight (75 kg).

"This will really help to provide a boost to our on-going efforts to increase grass-roots participation in women’s boxing,” said Mark Abberley, Chief Executive of the Amateur Boxing Association of England.

Figures from Sport England show that grass-root participation in women's boxing has been growing steadily for the past four years, and the spectacular success of the likes of Britain's Nicola Adams, Ireland's Katie Taylor and American Claressa Shields at the London Games drew huge acclaim.

"This is fantastic news for the sport and great for women competitors as it enables us to take part in another high-profile multi-sport event as well as the Olympics", said Nicola Adams.

"I am already focused on Rio 2016 but having this as an extra competition between now and then is brilliant for the sport and provides me with even more motivation to work hard in the gym and make sure I keep improving."

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