The figure, though yet to be officially confirmed, would ensure that the host nation is represented in nearly half of the 13 Olympic categories – 10 for men and three for women.

 

In addition, further British boxers might fight their way into the Olympic tournament by performing well in qualifying competitions.

 

Last year, eight British boxers qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, winning one gold medal and two bronzes, the best performance at the Games by GB boxers in 52 years.

 

The earmarking of six automatic places for the hosts should ensure that at least one and more likely two of them are allocated to women boxers.

 

Nearly three years out, British medal prospects look particularly bright in what will be a landmark women’s boxing competition.

 

Bantamweight Nicola Adams last year won a silver medal at the world championships, held in Ningbo City, China.

 

Light welterweight Natasha Jonas is also high in the world rankings.

 

There is space for a total of 36 women boxers to compete in London and 250 men.

 

Women's boxing will be making its Olympic debut in 2012.

 

In Beijing, boxing was the only sport on the Olympic programme that women were not allowed to compete in.

 

Robert McCracken, British Boxing's new performance director, said: "The ability is there, no doubt about it.

 

"My job is to coordinate everything in the right direction and the right way and to try to do better than Beijing.
 

"It is a fantastic job and I felt very privileged when I was asked.

 

"Now it all boils down to three years of very, very hard work.

 

"Anyone who knows me will tell you I don’t do things by half.
 

"If I am going to do a job I give it absolutely 100 per cent and that's what I will deliver up to the London Games.

 

"I'm very excited about it.

 

"We have always had so much natural talent in this country and now we have some of the best facilities in the world in Sheffield.

 

"The incentive for any young fighter could not be greater.

 

"Nothing gets any higher than the Olympic Games and the fact that it is also in London makes it even more special.
 

"For any young fighter, that has got to be an amazing reward if they work hard enough at boxing.

 

"Also, as we have seen in the past, Olympics can turn fighters into stars almost overnight."

 

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]

 

 

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