Two-time Olympic champion Nicola Adams announces retirement from boxing
- News Feeds
- 6 November 2019
Nicola Adams, the two-time Olympic champion and current WBO flyweight world champion, has announced her retirement from boxing at the age of 37.
She was advised that continuing her career risked permanent vision loss. Adams penned an open letter to her local newspaper, the Yorkshire Evening Post, in which she revealed that continuing her in-ring career risked serious injury.
Adams became a British icon after winning Gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics in London and Rio de Janeiro, respectively.
She won the vacant WBO world title against Isabel Milan in 2018, less than 18 months after he first professional bout, and bows out with an unbeaten professional record of five wins and one draw.
“I’m immensely honoured to have represented our country – to win double Olympic gold medals and then the WBO championship belt is a dream come true,” she wrote.
“But it’s not without taking its toll on my body, and aside from the expected aches and pains, I’ve been advised that any further impact to my eye would most likely lead to irreparable damage and permanent vision loss.
“It has been an honour to compete on the global stage, and it has been a privilege to fight against such remarkable athletes. Whilst I am proud of my achievements, the unwavering belief from everyone in my corner, is something I will appreciate for the rest of my life.
“To my wonderful team, I would not be the fighter I am today without your encouragement and understanding – what you have taught me goes beyond the ring. Particularly special thanks go to the wonderful Alwyn Belcher, my coach and personal mentor of many years.
“Hanging up my gloves was always going to hard, but I have never felt luckier, And I’m so immensely proud of how far the sport has come.”
