Adams hints at third Olympic appearance in Tokyo
Nicola Adams has dropped a hint that she could be prepared to defend her Olympic boxing titles in Tokyo next year after sharing a post relating to the Games on social media.
The 36-year-old, who won gold at London 2012 and Rio 2016, retweeted official footage revealing the 2020 medals and wrote: “I wonder how this medal would look on my mantelpiece.”
Adams turned professional after winning gold in Rio but has only fought five times and pulled out of a projected world title shot against Arely Mucino at the Royal Albert Hall in March citing injury.
I wonder how this medal would look on my mantelpiece 😉 https://t.co/wy3GdaxBFN
— Nicola Adams (@NicolaAdamsOBE) July 26, 2019
Prior to the Rio Games, the sport’s governing body AIBA – which has since been barred from hosting the Tokyo tournament due to corruption concerns – scrapped the rule preventing professionals from competing at the Olympics.
Adams trains in Sheffield and occasionally visits the GB Boxing gym which is based in the city. She remains on good terms with the staff and coaches at GB Boxing and PA understands that whilst nothing formal has taken place, the option of her returning to the Olympic programme remains open.
A spokesperson for GB Boxing said: “Nicola is a fantastic boxer, with a winning mentality and the ability to deliver her best performances on the biggest occasions.
“She would be an asset to the GB Boxing squad and would have a great chance of qualifying for Tokyo and winning another Olympic medal.”
Current rules of the Amateur Boxing Association of England – under whose jurisdiction Adams would effectively fight – allow boxers to return provided they relinquish their respective licenses and have had six or less professional bouts.
Despite opportunities, Adams has endured a frustrating start to her professional career and would theoretically have plenty of time to switch in time for the Tokyo qualification tournaments which are scheduled to begin next year.
Since Adams’ departure, GB have struggled to fill the women’s 51kg slot, although Portsmouth’s Ebonie Jones reached the quarter-finals of last year’s European Championships at the weight.
