The Cuban Boxing Federation president, Alberto Puig, was appointed member of the Executive Committee of the International Boxing Association (AIBA), as announced here Thursday in a press conference.

Puig said he felt honored by the decision. "I will try to fulfill my mission with professionalism," he said.

He recalled that the Caribbean island had a prestigious position previously at the top AIBA level, but since some years ago, the island was not 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 only comes second after the vice-presidency and the presidency of the international body.

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

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

Puig's appointment came one day before the match between Cuba and Russia to be held Friday night in the Havana Sports City as part of the World Boxing Series, held for the first time in the Caribbean island.