Cuba lifted a ban on women's boxing last month and plans are now underway to develop the sport in the country ©Getty Images

Cuban Boxing Federation President Alberto Puig de la Barca has declared that "the fundamental goal is to make sure that boxing is practised massively by women", after the country lifted a ban on female athletes competing in the sport.

Although Cuba lead the all-time medals table at the International Boxing Association's (IBA) men's World Championships and are viewed as a powerhouse within the sport, women had been unable to take part until a decision taken last month.

The Cuban Boxing Federation plans to hold a pre-selection process to integrate well-trained female boxers who competed at regional level, and the President outlined his hopes for the development of the sport.

"We will also attract athletes from other combat sports who have an adequate level of physical fitness and the necessary skills key to combat sports," Puig said.

"Such athletes will need to perfect boxing techniques and tactics.

The plan is to bring a women’s team to the upcoming Central American Games and then Pan American Games and we hope they will win medals for the Cuban delegation.

"However, the fundamental goal is to make sure that boxing is practiced massively by women who are motivated to take up this sport."

Cuban Boxing Federation Alberto Puig de la Barca said that
Cuban Boxing Federation Alberto Puig de la Barca said that "the fundamental goal is to make sure that boxing is practised massively by women" in the country ©Getty Images

Puig also provided further reasoning for the timing of the decision in Cuba.

"We studied for many years the pros and cons, and investigations were conducted before the conclusion was made that there is no issue with integrating women in boxing," he said.

"There are protective measures in place in women’s boxing that can guarantee there are no injuries.

"In past events, both international and regional, there were no cases of traumas suffered by female boxers.

"This fact motivated us to make the decision."

Cuba also eased restrictions on professional boxing for male athletes last year.

Women's boxing has only featured as a medal sport at the Olympic Games since London 2012 ©Getty Images
Women's boxing has only featured as a medal sport at the Olympic Games since London 2012 ©Getty Images

Women had already been permitted to compete in other contact sports such as wrestling, weightlifting, karate, taekwondo and judo in the country.

Prior to featuring at the 2012 Olympics in London, women's boxing had only ever been at the Games in a single demonstration bout at St Louis 1904.

However, the IBA, formerly known as AIBA, had been pushing for Cuban women to compete in boxing for several years.

Current IBA President Umar Kremlev travelled to Cuba in November last year and met its President Miguel Díaz-Canelm who offered Governmental support for the creation of a major boxing institute.

Boxing's future at the Olympic Games remains shrouded in uncertainty due to the International Olympic Committee's ongoing concerns with the IBA's governance.