Havana, Dec 6 (IANS): The Cuban Boxing Federation president, Alberto Puig, has been appointed member of the Executive Committee of the International Boxing Association (AIBA).

"I will try to fulfill my mission with professionalism," Xinhua quoted Puig as saying.

He recalled that the Caribbean island had a prestigious position previously at the top AIBA level, but for some years now, the island has not been represented in the dome of world boxing.

"Now we have voice in boxing again, and we will defend the philosophy of Cuban boxing," he said.

His new position is only behind the vice-president and the president of the international body.

AIBA president, Chinese Wu Ching-Kuo congratulated Puig and expressed his satisfaction over the inclusion of the Cuban in the highest level of the organisation.

"His wide knowledge of the sport will contribute largely to the development of boxing, both in Cuba and in the world as a whole," says the AIBA official website.

Puig's appointment came a day before the contest between Cuba and Russia Friday at the Havana Sports City as part of the World Boxing Series, held for the first time in the Caribbean island.