Boxer Nicola Adams building towards London 2012 gold

“I don’t think anyone’s ahead [in selection] at the minute,” the Rotunda club fighter told BBC Sport. “I won the GBs [Championships in October 2010], external so maybe I had my nose in front.

“I think it will go on the performances at the big tournaments this year. I’ve won a medal at all the tournaments I’ve gone to so I hope that’s been enough for them.”

“Because you don’t know [who will be selected], you’ve got to keep on top of your game so it keeps you on your toes.

“At any moment someone can take your spot and you’ve got to earn it back.”

London 2012 will be the first time women’s boxing joins the Olympic schedule , externalwhich indicates changing attitudes to the sport., external

“Nationally, I think there’s a lot of negative stereotyping but locally I’ve never had that – I get a lot of local press,, external” said Jonas.

“Liverpool as a place has always been supportive of what I’ve done.”

Middleweight [75kg] Savannah Marshall , externalis another GB boxer representing England at the Championships, and there are high hopes resting on the shoulders of the 20-year-old from Hartlepool.

Marshall won silver at the world championships last year, external and is also expected to win Olympic selection and challenge for a medal at the 2012 Games.