Double Olympic champion wins debut boxing match

An impressive display was put on by the latest Olympian to turn their hand to boxing.

Boxers often seek success in the amateurs before making the move up to the professional scene.

For some, their experience comes in other combat sports.

After two decades in Taekwondo, Jade Jones decided at the start of last year that she wanted a fresh challenge.

She subsequently ventured into boxing, setting herself the ambitious goal of becoming a world champion in two different sports.

The Welshwoman inked a multi-fight deal with Misfits Boxing in 2025 after two unsuccessful attempts at becoming a triple Olympic champion.

In her debut, Jones repeatedly forced Criss backwards, timing her advances perfectly and catching her with a heavy, clubbing backhand from the southpaw stance.

The pressure continued to build, and in the second round, Jones produced the decisive moment of the contest.

The London 2012 and Rio 2016 gold medallist ultimately stopped her opponent, singer Egypt Criss, in two rounds at a Misfits Boxing event in Derby.

A sharp flurry saw her land three consecutive left hooks, sending her opponent tumbling face-first to the canvas.

Speaking post-fight, Jones said: “I’ve always been a fighter, so even in taekwondo I used to come up against big, lanky, tall people who just wanted to fight.

“But in true Rocky Balboa fashion, I just want to say, Grandad, I hope you’re watching me. Everybody who knows me knows how much of a legend he is.

“He changed my life, and we all miss him so much. I love you grandad.”

The Olympian then turned to Misfits Boxing president Mams Taylor to call for the ‘Knockout of the Night’ bonus.

She said: “Mams [Taylor] told me there was a knockout bonus.

“I didn’t get paid enough, so I had to do the knockout bonus! I’ve always had the very best support, from Wales, from Britain.

“Switching sports, it’s a bit different, but the fans are through and through, thank you so much, the atmosphere was electric.”

The 32-year-old from Flint, Wales, has been sharpening her boxing skills under the guidance of former professional boxer Stephen ‘Swifty’ Smith at 4 Corners Gym.

And is now looking towards her potetential future in the sport.

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