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. The match highlighted Jones’s transition from her successful taekwondo career to the boxing ring.
Jones, a double Olympic taekwondo champion with gold medals from London 2012 and Rio 2016, had been preparing for this moment for 12 months. Her victory came after a challenging period following her early exits from the 2021 and 2024 Olympics.
In the ring, Jones showcased her skills by delivering three successive left hooks that sent Criss crashing face-first to the canvas. This decisive win marks a promising start to her boxing career.
Jones trained under former professional boxer Stephen ‘Swifty’ Smith at Liverpool’s 4 Corners Gym, where she honed her skills in preparation for her debut. Her dedication to the sport is evident, as she aims to become a world champion in both taekwondo and boxing.
Criss, the daughter of hip-hop stars Anthony ‘Treach’ Criss and Sandra ‘Pepa’ Denton, faced a tough opponent in Jones. The match not only showcased Jones’s talent but also her ability to adapt to a new sport.
Reflecting on her journey, 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 transition has provided her with a renewed sense of purpose.
Jones expressed her joy at the support from her hometown, 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 reflects on her past achievements, noting, “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 may serve her well as she navigates the challenges of boxing.
With her knockout victory, Jade Jones has made a strong statement in her boxing debut, and fans will be eager to see how her career unfolds in this new arena.