As Cuban and Russian fighters are likely to battle it out to be lords of the ring in Beijing, Thailand has a target of winning three gold medals.

Cuba stamped their supremacy at the Athens Olympics four years ago by winning eight medals - five gold, two silver and one bronze - to confirm their long-held status as perennial favourites.

However, in Beijing, the Cubans will field an incomplete squad, with boxers contesting 10 out of 11 divisions. They also pulled out their boxers from last year's World Championships in Chicago, giving Russia, winners of six medals in Athens, a chance to prove again they are the major threat by winning eight medals, including three gold.

Cuban head coach Pedro Roque yesterday brushed aside the doubters, saying opponents would have to dig deep if they want to win against them.

As for Thailand, despite the recent departure of Cuban coach Juan Fontanial, General Thaweep Jantharoj, president of the Amateur Boxing Association of Thaila-nd, still brimmed with confidence.

"Our preparation for Beijing is the finest ever. We have a strong field of eight boxers who are all capable of winning medals, not only one or two as in previous Games," he said.

"Apart from Manus Boonjumnong, who will be back to defend his title, flyweight veteran Somjit Jongjohor is considered a favourite after picking up silver at last year's Worlds.

"Olympic bantamweight silver medallist Worapoj Petchkoom is also on the team, while we have a knack of producing promising boxers."