Officials have defended the decision to allow boxers at the Commonwealth Games to go without protective headgear.

The International Boxing Association [AIBA] made the controversial call last year in light of medical research that claims headgear can cause more harm than good.

AIBA's medical chairman, Dr. Hamid Khadri, said that the removal of headgear has helped reduce concussions in the sport.

He told reporters: "You have hits to the head, but you don't see the damage.

"Your skull inside, you have micro-traumatism, so the boxer has a false impression of safety. He exposes his head to repetitive blows. This is what is dangerous, and the concussion rate is increased."

Male boxers will compete without headgear at the Asian Games in September.