It wasn't until 1986 that boxing was allowed again after authorities realized its many weight classes could aid the country's pursuit of Olympic medals.

WSJ: 'Fists of Gold' Zou Shiming Boxing Match Fires Up China

There is even one woman who is a heart surgeon in Mexico who, after she's finished putting people up and putting new hearts in them, is in the ring boxing and she is a world champion at bantum weight.

BBC: March: Jane Couch

Not long ago the ex-boxing champion Mike Tyson credited a vegan diet with shedding weight and improving his well-being.

WSJ: Manny Pacquiao vs. the Vegan Timothy Bradley

Mr Pacquiao's defeat of Miguel Cotto, a Puerto Rican, means he has now won world championships in seven different weight divisions a feat unprecedented in boxing history.

ECONOMIST: A hero for the Philippines

But BBC boxing commentator Mike Costello said he had struggled to make the weight all year.

BBC: Medal hope Gavin out of Olympics

Reigning lightweight world champion Gavin failed to make weight at the Olympics and returned home before the boxing tournament had even begun.

BBC: Gavin to remain amateur 'for now'

Much of boxing's cream is to be found in the lower weight divisions, with the light welterweight ranks full to the brim with talent.

BBC: SPORT | Boxing | Boxing 2005 - Rest of the world

Women's boxing made its Olympic debut Sunday with a round of 16 matches in each of the three weight divisions.

CNN: Bolt sprints to Olympic gold