By Paul Osborne

Welsh boxing has defended it's decision not to include Kevin Evans in it's squad for the 2014 Commonwealth Games ©Getty ImagesApril 17 - Welsh Boxing has defended its decision not to include veteran Kevin Evans in its squad for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Evans, 37, was left disappointed over selectors' decision not to take a super heavyweight to the Games, as the Welshman bid to compete in a record-breaking fifth Commonwealth Games.

Evans, winner of three medals at previous Commonwealth Games with bronze in 1998 and 2002 and silver in 2006, had said he "simply can't understand" Welsh Boxing's decision not to fill the super heavyweight spot at the Games despite winning his record-equalling tenth Welsh title.

Welsh Boxing has now released a statement defending the decision however, stating the nation had only been allocated 11 boxing spots while there were 13 weight categories overall.

Kevin Evans (left) was looking to compete in his fifth Commonwealth Games after taking medals in three of the last four Games ©Getty ImagesKevin Evans (left) was looking to compete in his fifth Commonwealth Games after taking medals in three of the last four Games ©Getty Images



"As with every major Games Welsh Boxing has had to adhere to a nomination and selection process," read the statement.

"For the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games 13 weight categories have been included; for the first time ever women's boxing will be represented in three categories and men's in 10.

"Welsh Boxing has been allocated 11 athlete places meaning that difficult decisions have had to be made to not take forward boxers in two of those weight categories.

"Kevin retired from amateur boxing in 2010 after the Delhi Commonwealth Games, he then returned in March 2014 to box twice in the Welsh Championships and encountered two large changes in boxing - the scoring system and the removal of head guards.

"Kevin has publically stated he would not want to take a place from another boxer, but as we are faced with taking 11 out of 13 weights this would be the case if we had nominated Kevin."

Welsh Boxing has indicated that, at this stage, the team has only been nominated to compete at the 2014 Commonwealth Games with a final decision not being taken until early May.

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