BBC-Two-time Olympic champion Nicola
Adams retained her WBO world flyweight title after an unconvincing split
decision draw against Mexican challenger Maria Salinas at the Royal Albert
Hall.
The British boxer was lacklustre in
what was her first fight since October last year, with the judges scoring it
96-94 Salinas, 97-93 Adams, 95-95 draw.
“I was a bit ring rusty I
haven’t boxed in a year so it wasn’t my best performance,” said Adams.
“If she wants a rematch I’ll go
again.”
Adams, 36, started well but never
really looked truly comfortable and instead Salinas grew in confidence after
being second best for the first three rounds.
The announcement of the judges’
scores was met with boos, with some of the crowd expressing their
dissatisfaction with Adams’ display.
“Now I’ve got this under my
belt it’s time to go again,” added Adams.
“I put in as much work as I
could and I came away with the belt. I’d love to be able to go to Leeds with my
title for a rematch – I’ll have to sit down with my coaches and work out what
we do.”
