Jade Jones marks 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, by achieving a second-round knockout against Egypt Criss.
In her debut match, Jones showcased her striking prowess, needing only two rounds to secure victory. The knockout came after she delivered three successive left hooks, sending Criss crashing to the canvas, a moment described as one of the most brutal knockouts of 2026.
Jones, now 32, transitioned from a successful taekwondo career, where she won gold medals at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics, to boxing at the start of the previous year. This shift followed a challenging period after her disappointing performances in the 2021 and 2024 Olympics, where she exited in the first round.
Having spent 12 months preparing for her boxing debut, Jones trained under the guidance of former professional boxer Stephen ‘Swifty’ Smith at 4 Corners Gym in Liverpool. Her dedication to the sport was evident as she entered the ring under the Misfits promotion, which is known for staging influencer fights.
Jones expressed her feelings about the 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 her journey and the challenges she faced after her taekwondo career.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Jones’s first Olympic gold was commemorated with a matching post box in her hometown, highlighting her impact on the local community. She remarked on the excitement her return to sports has generated, 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 in her athletic career, Jones has learned to appreciate the journey itself, 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 successful debut in boxing marks a promising start to what could be a new and exciting phase in her sporting life.