Adams aiming to prove a knockout for Games

Despite being ranked second in the world, the Leeds-born European flyweight champion is still uncertain of a place at her home Olympics, meaning a good performance in Bulgaria from February 21-26 is of paramount importance.

The final Olympic qualifier doubles up as the women’s World Championships in May, when Adams will look to join Hull bantamweight Luke Campbell in booking a place at London 2012.

Adams needs to reach the quarter-finals at the World Championships to qualify for London 2012. The selection criteria for the remaining spots in the 16-woman Olympic contest then becomes something of a lottery, which Adams – a genuine medal contender if she seals her place – will want to avoid.

Campbell, who qualified for London by reaching last year’s world final, is also competing in Sofia. British ABA performance director Rob McCracken said: “This tournament provides good competitive action for those that have already qualified and gives those that want to progress an opportunity to stake a claim.”