Nicola eyes world target
EXCITED ADAMS PLOTS RAPID RISE TO TITLE
NICOLA ADAMS has set her sights on a world title shot before the end of the year.
The two-time Olympic gold medallist only made her debut in the professional ranks last month.
But as she prepares for her second outing on Saturday night against Mexican Maryan Salazar in Leeds, the flyweight star is planning a crack at WBO champion Monserrat Alarcon.
Adams, 34, said: “I would love to fight for a world title by the end of this year. I would be just about ready. That would be an achievement. I am excited.
Fast
“I want to box all the champions. If you have a title, you have a target on your head. You have a title I want, simple as that.
“I can’t wait to get going and fast forward to the world title now.
“I just want it round my body and to be a world champion like my hero Muhammad Ali.” Promoter Frank ® Warren added: “I like the WBO champion as a fight.
“As long as she stays champion that is a fight we can build towards. I think Nicola would give her a tough fight.”
Adams fights in her hometown for the first time since her amateur debut when she was only 13.
That night she fought in a working men’s club in the city against a girl called Claire Newton and her lungs were burning because of the smoke in the room.
Adams was peeking through the curtains and causing mayhem backstage as her coach tried to settle her down before she boxed. And she admits she will have another sneak peek ahead of her return as she faces Salazar at the First Direct Arena in the first women’s fight staged in the UK over three-minute rounds.
She added: “I’m nervous before every fight but I will keep it controlled in the ring.
“I love to get a little peak through the curtains. The coach might want to keep me in the dressing room but I might be able to sneak out.
“That first time there would have been about 100 people and they hadn’t stopped smoking by then. There was smoking everywhere and my lungs were burning.
“It is a bit different to fighting in an arena.”