Women boxers will get the chance to compete for gold at London 2012 after a decision by the International Olympic Committee’s executive board.

Boxing had been the only Olympic event without any female participants. Three women’s weight classes will be added, with one of the 11 men’s classes dropped to make room for them.

“Women’s boxing has come on a tremendous amount in the last five years and it was time to include them,” said IOC president Jacques Rogge.

The decision was welcomed by three-time British ABA title winner and EU Champion, Sharon Holford, who said: “The Olympics is the pinnacle for any amateur sports person so it is fantastic that women boxers have at last been given the opportunity to take part.

“Boxing is open and accessible to anyone with talent and commitment and it is a great reward for the hundreds of women that compete in the sport.”

Women’s Boxing is not the only sport to be granted Olympic status. Golf is set to return to the Olympics after a 112-year absence in 2016, and rugby sevens will also be recommended to be part of that year’s Games.

The International Olympic Committee’s executive board voted to include both at its Berlin executive board meeting.
The recommendation must be rubber-stamped by a full meeting of the IOC congress in Copenhagen in October.

Softball, squash, baseball, karate and roller sports were also hoping to be included, but have all missed out.

Source: BBC Sport