Janie Brashill has welcomed the decision to include women’s boxing at the London 2012 Olympics.

Boxing has previously been the only Olympic event without any female participants but three women’s weight classes will be added for London.

Former England international Brashill, who boxes for Brighton City, said: “It’s come a bit too late for me but it’s great.

“It’s the recognition as much as anything and it cannot be bad for the sport.

“Just being around the circuit there are a lot more girls boxing now and it will help motivate them.”

Women will box at flyweight, lightweight and middleweight and Brashill admits there are some people who will never approve. The three-time national champion said: “There are some people who will not like the idea but watch it and like it, and then there are some who just don’t want it and never will.”