YEP readers rooting for Leeds boxer Nicola Adams ahead of Rio 2016 final

Leeds boxing champion Nicola Adams is on course to bring home a second Olympic medal after winning a place in the women's flyweight final at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Leeds's own Nicola Adams celebrates victory following her flyweight semi final match against China's Ren Cancan. Photo: David Davies/PA Wire.Leeds's own Nicola Adams celebrates victory following her flyweight semi final match against China's Ren Cancan. Photo: David Davies/PA Wire.
Leeds's own Nicola Adams celebrates victory following her flyweight semi final match against China's Ren Cancan. Photo: David Davies/PA Wire.

Nicola made history at the London 2012 Olympics when she beat three-time world champion, China’s Ren Cancan, to become the first ever female Olympic boxing champion.

And the two faced each other in the ring once again during today’s semi-final in Rio, Brazil.

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Nicola, 33, lost the first of four two-minute rounds, before coming back to win the final three.

Afterwards, she wrote on Twitter: “I won, I’m in the finals, yeh buddy! Thank you for the support. You’re all doing the most for me #fanlove.”

YEP readers shared in Nicola’s delight at securing a place in the final and are rooting for her to bring home a second Gold.

Dozens have already posted messages on our Facebook page, wishing her good luck for Saturday’s bout.

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Angela Flanagan said: “Well done Nicola! Good luck on Saturday and bring the gold home to Leeds.”

Nicola Adams in action during today's semi-final. Photo: David Davies/PA Wire.Nicola Adams in action during today's semi-final. Photo: David Davies/PA Wire.
Nicola Adams in action during today's semi-final. Photo: David Davies/PA Wire.

Pat Lees said: “Well done to Nicola and good luck on Saturday. You have got to love the true YORKSHIRE grit!”

Irene Martin said: “Well done Nicola – good luck for Saturday – all of Yorkshire will be cheering for you.”

Rich Wilson said: “Good on you lass, one more to go!”

If she goes on to win Gold in Saturday’s final, Nicola will be the first British boxer to retain an Olympic title for 92 years.

Nicola Adams fighting China's Ren Cancan on the thirteenth day of the Rio games. Photo: David Davies/PA Wire.Nicola Adams fighting China's Ren Cancan on the thirteenth day of the Rio games. Photo: David Davies/PA Wire.
Nicola Adams fighting China's Ren Cancan on the thirteenth day of the Rio games. Photo: David Davies/PA Wire.
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But whatever the outcome, she is assured of bringing home a second Olympic medal to add to her every-growing collection of boxing honours.

She will face France’s 10-time national champion Sarah Ourahmoune in the final.

And hopes are high that she can successfully defend her title and make it a second Gold.

Jude Ashton said: “Well done girl! Go for gold!”

Nicola Adams in action during today's semi-final. Photo: David Davies/PA Wire.Nicola Adams in action during today's semi-final. Photo: David Davies/PA Wire.
Nicola Adams in action during today's semi-final. Photo: David Davies/PA Wire.

Danelle Dale said: “Go Nicola! Make us proud again!”

Lorraine Hutchinson said: “Well done. I feel a gold coming.”

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And our readers were full of praise for the local girl, who has become a role model for many.

Carole Gill said: “She is very down to earth. The ladies Ali that fans adore to watch.”

Val Ryan said: “Well done Nicola! Great win and such a great positive smiley girl. Good luck!”

Nicola, who learned her trade at Burmantofts Amateur Boxing Club in Leeds, has previously said that the support she gets from her home city will help her to victory.

“It means everything to me,” said Nicola, who was awarded an MBE in the 2013 New Year’s Honours list.

“I love the support I get from Leeds and Yorkshire and hopefully I can do them proud.”