Nicola Adams has announced her retirement from boxing, aged 37, with the two-time Olympic champion and current WBO flyweight world champion at risk of losing her sight.
In an open letter written to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Adams’ local paper, she revealed that continuing her in-ring career risked serious, and possibly life-changing, injury.
Adams became the first woman to win Olympic gold in her sport when he took the flyweight title at London 2012 and successfully defended her crown in Rio four years later.
She won the vacant WBO belt 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.”
