PROMOTER Eddie Hearn is considering approaching Nicola Adams to stage professional boxing events featuring the two-time Olympic gold medallist.
Adams, the first female boxing gold medallist ever at an Olympic Games and the first Briton to win two Olympic gold medals since Harry Mallin, is a historic figure.
“I was at the GQ Awards and Nicola Adams was there and I was stunned by the reception she got, she was presenting an award. I was stunned. She actually presented AJ with the sportsman of the year award for GQ,” Hearn said. “There are some chats going on about Nicola in terms of does she go pro and stuff like that. That night made me think I’m not sure about women’s boxing, I think it’s fantastic that women are involved in the sport but what is the future of women’s professional boxing in this market when there isn’t particularly big demand or interest from broadcasters? But if it’s ever going to work, it’s going to work with her.
“If we’re ever going to do it, now’s the time.”
Boxing News also asked the promoter how much missing out on gold might have cost Olympic super-heavyweight silver medallist Joe Joyce. The Briton lost a controversial final decision to Tony Yoka at Rio 2016.
“It’s difficult with Joe because he’s a little bit older [than the average Olympian]. What has it cost him? A million quid signing on? It’s cost him hundreds of thousands. But it doesn’t mean he’s on his arse now. He’s still got a good opportunity,” Hearn said.
The third British medallist at this year’s Olympics, Joshua Buatsi, who won bronze in Rio, has of course also caught the promoter’s eye. “You’ve got Buatsi as well who I really like the look of,” Hearn noted. “Maybe we sign all three? Maybe none of them want to join Matchroom. I don’t know.”
