NICOLA ADAMS has set her sights on fighting for a world title in her home city of Leeds after recording a sensational first-round knockout of Soledad del Valle Frias at Elland Road.
The two-time Olympic flyweight champion put her divisional rivals on notice after starring in what was supposed to be her toughest test in her fourth fight as a professional.
A fierce left to the body just before the bell sounded left her Argentinian opponent in agony and she was counted out – although there was speculation the round lasted longer than the two minutes scheduled.
The official ending was recorded at one minute and 59 seconds in what was slated to be a 10-round bout, and Adams has already turned her attentions towards challenging for world honours later this year.
She told BT Sport: “I’d love to be able to do that here in Leeds, it would be unbelievable.
“I’m really happy to have been able to put on a good performance tonight.”
Adams has endured a fraught past few months, with her mother Dee battling breast cancer while she has also split from her partner Marlen Esparza this year and changed trainer to Nonito Donaire Sr due to Virgil Hunter’s unknown illness.
But the 35-year-old cast off the shackles of a difficult build-up in style, forcing Valle Frias on to the ropes from the off.
Former three-time world title challenger Valle Frias was five and a half pounds heavier than Adams at Friday’s weigh-in but it made little difference to the Briton, who closed the show in style.
Her promoter Frank Warren said: “I think she’ll be fighting for a world title very, very soon. Sooner rather than later.
“She’s had a tough year and she’s done brilliantly to be where she’s at so now it’s all about onwards and upwards and we’re working very hard to make sure she gets that title fight.”
