Olympic boxing legend Nicola Adams retires aged 37 over blindness fears as undefeated world flyweight champion

OLYMPIC boxing legend Nicola Adams has retired at the age of 37.

The Lioness hangs up her gloves with an undefeated record and as the current WBO flyweight world champion.

Adams, who was born in Leeds, became the first openly LGBT athlete to win an Olympic boxing gold medal when she took top spot at London 2012.

And she repeated the feat at Rio 2016 - the same year she won the World Championships.

She penned an open letter to her local newspaper, the Yorkshire Evening Post, in which she revealed that continuing her in-ring career risked "irreparable damage and permanent vision loss".

Adams, whose last fight was in September, wrote: "I'm immensely honoured to have represented our country - to win double Olympic gold medals and then the WBO championship belt is a dream come true," she wrote.

"But it's not without taking its toll on my body, and aside from the expected aches and pains, I've been advised that any further impact to my eye would most likely lead to irreparable damage and permanent vision loss.

"It has been an honour to compete on the global stage, and it has been a privilege to fight against such remarkable athletes.

I'm immensely honoured... but boxing has taken its toll on my body

Nicola Adams

“Whilst I am proud of my achievements, the unwavering belief from everyone in my corner is something I will appreciate for the rest of my life.

"To my wonderful team, I would not be the fighter I am today without your encouragement and understanding - what you have taught me goes beyond the ring.

“Particularly special thanks go to the wonderful Alwyn Belcher, my coach and personal mentor of many years.

"Hanging up my gloves was always going to hard, but I have never felt luckier and I'm so immensely proud of how far the sport has come."

Adams won the vacant WBO belt against Isabel Milan in 2018, less than 18 months after he first professional bout, and bows out with an unbeaten professional record of five wins and one draw.

She was also a nominee for the BBC Sports Personality award in 2012.

Adams, who once worked as an extra on Coronation Street and Eastenders, was awarded an OBE in the 2017 New Year Honours.

She was described as a "trailblazer, history-maker and legend" by Team GB.