New Zealand women boxing coach Cameron Todd says it is important that the sport has a good showing at this year's Olympics.
In 2009, it was announced that women's boxing would be included in the programme for the first time.
New Zealand will be represented at the Games by Siona Fernandes in the 51kg flyweight division and Alexis Pritchard in the 60kg lightweight category. Both are from Auckland.
In an interview with Radio New Zealand in London, Todd defended the sport against some critics.
"I think it's crucial that the world sees that women's boxing is more than ready to be here.
"Dr (Ching-Kuo) Wu - the president of the world amateur body AIBA - he was instrumental in getting women to these Olympics.
"But at the same time he also wanted to make sure that the standard was high enough that the world would respect the sport on an even keel like the men."
Competition for Pritchard and Fernandes begins on 5 August.
No New Zealand men are competing at the Games this year.
