Nicola Adams became the first women in history to win an Olympic boxing gold medal as she defeated Ren Cancan of China to win Great Britain's 24<sup>th gold medal of the London 2012 Olympics.

The 29-year-old produced a punch-perfect display in the final at a packed Excel Arena as she overcame the world number one and reigning world champion by a score of 16-7.

Adams now takes her place in history after becoming the first ever Olympic champion in the flyweight division after women's boxing was added to the Games for the very first time.

Nicola Adams
Adams becomes the first ever female Olympic boxing champion

The fighter from Leeds was ranked number two coming into the tournament and had twice before lost to Cancan, but she was not going to be defeated in the gold medal bout as she boxed the perfect fight.

Having taken a two point lead into the second round, Adams found a beautiful left jab counter which was quickly followed by a straight right which sent Cancan to the canvas.

Adams continued to use her footwork and stay out of trouble as she continually caught the Chinese fighter with sharp counters and going into the final two minutes she had a lead of nine points.

It was seemingly a formalist in the final round as Adams stayed out of harms way to claim the win and another gold medal for Team GB.

Nicola Adams
Adams beats Cancan in the final to win gold [Reuters]

"It's a dream come true for me. I've wanted this the whole of my life and that I've finally done it and that I'm finally here and all this support has really made my day," said a beaming Adams.

"I didn't even see that one coming, it was just one of those things it just happened. I'd like to thank all the supporters here, all the supporters back home and I'm bringing that gold medal back to Leeds.

"It's absolutely amazing, to have the flag lifted I can't believe it. I'm just so happy, I'm overwhelmed."

China Gold London