Supporters said the decision reflected the growing popularity of women’s boxing which has seen elite and grassroots participation soar in recent years.

They claimed the pool of talent, which includes nearly 700 registered female boxers in Great Britain, has the potential to enhance Team GB’s medal prospects at 2012 and contribute to the delivery of the games’ sporting legacy.

The Sports Minister, The Mayor of London and the former World Super Middleweight World Champion, Richie Woodhall, joined with the Amateur Boxing Associations of Wales, Scotland and England to welcome the announcement.

Derek Mapp, Chairman of the British Amateur Boxing Association (BABA) 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.”

Minister for Sport, Gerry Sutcliffe, said: “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. I am sure that our British talent will relish the opportunity to compete in front of a home crowd in 2012 and will help raise the profile of women’s boxing at all levels.”

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, added: “It’s wonderful news that women will now be able to showcase their sparring skills and compete at the greatest sporting event in the world. 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. Their inclusion at the London Games will help increase grassroots sport participation in the capital and I intend to use this once in a lifetime opportunity to get more London adults and youngsters involved in sport.”