Jade Jones made a significant entrance into the boxing world on March 7, 2026, in Derby, England, achieving a second-round knockout victory against Egypt Criss. This event marks a pivotal moment in Jones’s career as she transitions from her celebrated taekwondo background.

Jones, a double Olympic taekwondo champion who secured gold medals in London 2012 and Rio 2016, showcased her striking prowess during the fight. The knockout was executed with three successive left hooks that sent Criss crashing face-first to the canvas.

Having spent 12 months preparing for this debut, Jones trained under the guidance of former professional boxer Stephen ‘Swifty’ Smith at Liverpool’s 4 Corners Gym. Her transition from taekwondo to boxing began at the start of last year, a move that has been met with both excitement and curiosity in her hometown of Flint.

Jones expressed the challenges she faced during her transition, stating, “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 reflects the emotional journey she has undergone since her taekwondo career concluded.

The fight took place at a Misfits Duel event, drawing attention not only for Jones’s performance but also for the background of her opponent, Egypt Criss, who is the daughter of hip-hop stars Anthony ‘Treach’ Criss and Sandra ‘Pepa’ Denton.

Jones’s successful debut has reignited enthusiasm in her community, with the athlete noting, “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.” This reflects the broader impact of her achievements on local morale.

As Jones embarks on this new chapter in her sporting career, she has also reflected on her past experiences, saying, “When you win the Olympics there is always a new goal whereas now I’ve learned the best bit was actually the journey.” This perspective highlights her growth and adaptation to the challenges she has faced.

Overall, Jade Jones’s boxing debut not only marks a new beginning for her but also serves as an inspiration for many, demonstrating resilience and the pursuit of new goals after significant life changes.

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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.

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