Don’t go pro, Nic is urged
NICOLA ADAMS has been told to go for gold in Tokyo rather than turning professional.
The Leeds flyweight became the first British boxer to win back-to-back gold medals in the ring since Harry Mallin in 1924.
Adams, 33, said she is considering her options after her Rio success.
But promoter Eddie Hearn has warned her off going pro as there is little interest in the paid ranks for women in this country.
He said: “I like Nicola – she is great for the sport and has a smile to light up every household in the UK.
“But there is no demand from a UK broadcaster for women’s boxing so how can you do it?
“Unless you’re going to spend a lot of money investing in women’s boxing in the UK, I can’t see it.
“People ask me about adding Nicola Adams to a pro bill and I could see that working.
Funding
“But there are other territories where there is a market for women’s boxing – Germany, Sweden, America, Asia.
“If I was Nicola, I would probably go for gold in Tokyo.
“I can’t see a future in women’s professional boxing in this country. I don’t think the demand is there from the fans.”
Hearn also warned the men turning pro that the signing-on fees Anthony Joshua and Luke Campbell enjoyed after London 2012 will not be matched by promoters this time.
Light-heavyweight silver medallist Joshua Buatsi and super-heavyweight silver medallist Joe Joyce are two likely to turn pro.
Hearn added: “I don’t think they have the leg up that the London guys got.
“I’m talking about what deal I would give them. Four years ago the attitude was just get them, but now it is only if it suits us.”