Jade Jones makes boxing debut with knockout victory
Jade Jones, the renowned double Olympic taekwondo champion, made a significant entrance into the boxing world on March 7, 2026, in Derby, England, where she achieved a second-round knockout victory against Egypt Criss.
In her debut match, Jones demonstrated her striking prowess, needing only two rounds to secure the win. The bout ended with a series of three successive left hooks that left Criss unable to continue, marking a successful transition for Jones from her two-decade-long taekwondo career.
Jones, who is now 32 years old, has been preparing for this moment for the past 12 months. Her journey into boxing follows a challenging period in her life, particularly after her disappointing exits in the first rounds of the 2021 and 2024 Olympics.
Having won gold medals in taekwondo at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics, Jones’s switch to boxing has been both a personal and professional reinvention. She trained under former professional boxer Stephen ‘Swifty’ Smith at 4 Corners Gym in Liverpool, honing her skills for this new challenge.
Egypt Criss, the daughter of hip-hop stars Anthony ‘Treach’ Criss and Sandra ‘Pepa’ Denton, faced a formidable opponent in Jones, who expressed her excitement about the fight and the support from her hometown.
Reflecting on her transition, Jones stated, “I was a bit lost. I thought I could be the greatest of all time and win a third Olympic gold and for it to just go up in flames… it was a hard time.” This sentiment underscores the emotional journey she has undergone as she shifts her focus to boxing.
Jones also shared her appreciation for the local community, saying, “It’s lovely to see my small town getting really excited again. I didn’t realise how much of an impact it has on people; it gives them a purpose and I can feel them buzzing.”
As she embarks on this new chapter, Jones aims to become a world champion in both taekwondo and boxing, showcasing her versatility and determination in the sporting arena.
With her debut now behind her, the boxing community will be watching closely to see how Jones continues to develop in this new sport. Her journey serves as an inspiration for many, illustrating the power of resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding her next steps in the boxing world, but Jones’s inaugural performance has certainly set a high bar for her future endeavors.
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