Jade Jones marks boxing debut with knockout victory
Jade Jones celebrated her boxing debut on March 7, 2026, in Derby, England, achieving a second-round knockout against Egypt Criss. This victory marks a significant milestone for Jones, who is transitioning from her illustrious taekwondo career to boxing.
Jones, a double Olympic taekwondo champion, won gold medals in London 2012 and Rio 2016. After a disappointing end to her taekwondo career, where she exited in the first round of the 2021 and 2024 Olympics, she began her boxing journey at the start of last year.
In her debut match, Jones showcased her skills with a powerful performance, delivering three successive left hooks that led to a decisive knockout of Criss, the daughter of hip-hop stars Anthony ‘Treach’ Criss and Sandra ‘Pepa’ Denton.
Jones had spent 12 months preparing for this moment, training under former professional boxer Stephen ‘Swifty’ Smith at Liverpool’s 4 Corners Gym. Her preparation paid off, as she needed only two rounds to secure her victory.
Reflecting on her transition, Jones expressed that boxing has helped her heal from a challenging period following her taekwondo career. “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,” she shared.
Jones’s success in boxing has not only been a personal achievement but has also resonated with her community. “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,” she noted.
As Jones embarks on this new chapter, she reflects on her journey, stating, “When you win the Olympics there is always a new goal whereas now I’ve learned the best bit was actually the journey.” Her knockout of Criss has set a promising tone for her boxing career.
With her impressive debut, Jade Jones is poised to make a significant impact in the boxing world, following her remarkable achievements in taekwondo.
