By Geno McGahee
Nicola Adams, 5-0-1, 3 KO’s, held onto her WBO flyweight title with a hard fought and questionable draw against the aggressive challenger, Maria Salinas, 23-7-4, 7 KO’s, by scores of 94-96 (Salinas), 97-93 (Adams) and 95-95. The crowd booed loudly at the call, believing that Salinas had done enough to win and when her corner raised her on their shoulders, the crowd erupted for her.
For the first 3 rounds, Adams used her reach and skill to dictate the fight, but the aggression of Salinas changed the story and Adams began holding a lot. In the final rounds, the champion was holding more than fighting and only interested in survival. A draw is not ridiculous, but Adams did not fight like a champion and Salinas had the much better moments in the bout.
