LAUSANNE - The International Boxing Association (AIBA) wants to see more women fighting at the Olympic Games, its president Wu Ching-Kuo said.
Leona Hui of Singapore (R) fights against Jose Gabuco of the Philippines (L) during their women's light flyweight semifinal boxing bout at the 28th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Singapore on June 8, 2015. AFP PHOTO / MOHD FYROL
"The introduction of women's boxing at the London Games in 2012 was a success," Wu told AFP in an interview.
Women's boxing will be in Rio again next year and the "aim is to get it increased for 2020 in Tokyo," Wu said.
There were gold medals in three weight divisions in London, but the AIBA wants the International Olympic Committee to agree five categories between 48 kilos and 75 kilos.
"The boxing at the European Games in Baku were held in this format and we think this is what should be done for the Tokyo Games," Wu said.
"This would be part of the Olympic Agenda 20-20 which calls for equality between men and women. It would benefit boxing and overall the Olympic Games," the AIBA president added.
Wu, who stood against Thomas Bach for the IOC presidency in 2013, said a proposal has been made to the Olympic leadership and a decision made just after the Rio Games.
The London Olympics brought women boxers such as Katie Taylor of Ireland into the international spotlight.
The next women's world championships, the Rio qualifying tournament, are in Astana, Kazakhstan in February.