The figure - comprising 506 men, 100 women and 175 reserve boxers from 105 nations - represents a significant jump in participation from the 2012 edition of the competition, which attracted 367 competitors from 69 countries to Armenia's capital, Yerevan.

The 2014 Youth World Championships, due to take place at the Armeec Arena in Bulgaria's capital on April 10 until 20, is also the sole qualifying tournament for the Nanjing 2014 Summer Youth Olympics, which will see women's boxers competing for the first time.

They will box in the three Olympic weight categories of fly - 48-51 kilograms, light - 57-60kg - and middle - 69-75kg, with the top four ranked women from different nations in each weight category qualifying for Games in Nanjing.

The men will compete in the ten weight categories of 46kg-49kg, 52kg, 56kg, 60kg, 64kg, 69kg, 75kg, 81kg, 91kg, 91+kg, with the top five in each securing a place at the Youth Olympics.

The Nanjing 2014 Youth Games will feature women's boxing for the first time, much like the Olympics did at London 2012 ©AFP/Getty Images


C K Wu, President of AIBA, said he was "extremely delighted" with the record-breaking figures.

"They demonstrate the fast growth of our beloved sport and are the consequence of AIBA's reform and changes," he added.

"This shows that more and more young athletes dream of embracing a career in our sport and believe that AIBA is offering them exciting opportunities.

"They are the future of the sport of boxing and I cannot wait to see them compete in Sofia."

AIBA also revealed that 60 boxers - 48 men and 12 women from 31 nations - will participate in its "Road to Sofia" two-week training camp, which is due to get underway on March 29.

This project forms part of the sport's world governing body's "Road to Dream" programme that offers athletes and coaches from underprivileged and developing countries the chance to attend intensive training camps in the run up to major AIBA competitions, including the World Championships.

Each participant is given airline tickets, accommodation, food and drink, full training facilities and equipment, kits, gloves, headgear, full medical and massage services, insurance, visa expenses and local transportation.

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