ADAMS MAKES FIRST DEFENCE OF WORLD TITLE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

Nicola Adams defends her WBO female flyweight title at the York Hall for the first time on Friday night, fighting on the undercard of Daniel Dubois vs Ebenezer Tetteh.

Adams had previously won the interim version of the title when she defeated Isabel Millan (25-5-1) in October 2018, but was updated to full champion status in July this year; as former incumbent, Arely Mucino, is unable to participate in active competition until November at the earliest, sustaining a head injury in a bout in April, and a subsequent ankle injury in a later car crash.

At 36-years-old, Adams is Britain’s most decorated female amateur boxer, winning Olympic gold in London (2012) and Rio (2016), Commonwealth and European Games’ titles, as well as World, European and European Union championships. She turned professional in January 2017 and boasts a professional record of 5-0, with three KOs. Fighting on Friday as chief support to the main event, which includes an undercard featuring male prospects Archie Sharp (16-0), Denzel Bentley (10-0) and Willy Hutchinson (9-0), shows the backing and vested faith that Queensberry promotions place in her, as well as the conscious, in vogue pursuit to promote and further encourage viewership, equality and promotion in and of women’s boxing. Matchroom have Katie Taylor, and Queensberry back Nicola Adams to headline the sport on their behalf.

Her opponent is 30-year old Mexican southpaw, Maria Salinas. Younger, yet more experienced – she has a professional record of 21-7-3 – this is Salinas’ third fight of 2019, and her third since losing a split decision challenging for Mucino’s title in September 2018.

It is her eighth fight outside of Mexico but will be her first in the UK. She has, however, completed the maximum 10 round pro distance on nine occasions, compared to Adams’ once. With the female Mexican boxing circuit being so popular and thriving, she will, therefore, be understanding in how a victory on Friday night will have the capacity to immediately transform her earning potential. Subsequently, this fight promises to be competitive, and between two fighters who are both highly motivated.

Adams has a chance to announce herself as the rightful world champion, and Salinas the chance to finally become a world champion. Only one can prevail. And on Friday, we shall find out who.