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Double Olympic champion is the first female fighter to sign for veteran promoter Frank Warren.

Adams is set to follow fellow Olympic gold medallists, Ireland’s Katie Taylor and US star Claressa Shields, in fighting the rest of her career as a professional boxer.

GB Boxing performance director Rob McCracken said: “Nicola has made a huge contribution to both the Olympic programme and the sport of boxing. She has won everything there is to win and her place in history is secured as the first women to ever win a gold medal for boxing and then top it by winning a second one in Rio.”

The flyweight has signed a long-term promotional deal to turn professional with Frank Warren.

Nicola Adams

Warren has previously criticised women’s boxing. Sitting alongside Adams as the announcement was made at the BT Tower in central London, he said: “I’ve not been the greatest advocate of women’s boxing. My head’s been turned.

“I’ve had to eat humble pie, and thought ‘Are you a dinosaur?’ I’ve always appreciated any ladies who are fighting. But what she (Adams) has done for me is turn my head. Who am I to be the person to say I’m not going to do women’s boxing on BT?

“She could probably win a world title now, but it’s about coming through and learning her trade.”

Adams will make her professional debut on April 8 at the Manchester Arena, and is also scheduled for a ‘homecoming’ fight at Leeds’ First Direct Arena on May 13.

Her opponents are yet to be announced, but each fight is to be staged on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Nicola Adams

Speaking to the BBC, she said: “My hero was Muhammad Ali. I said after watching him I wanted to box at the Olympics and turn pro.

“I can’t wait to get in the ring and start working towards becoming a world champion.”

 

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