Jade Jones makes boxing debut with knockout victory
Jade Jones marked her boxing debut on March 7, 2026, in Derby, England, achieving a remarkable second-round knockout victory against Egypt Criss.
The 32-year-old Jones, a double Olympic taekwondo champion, transitioned to boxing after two decades in her previous sport. She had been preparing for this moment for 12 months and trained under former professional boxer Stephen ‘Swifty’ Smith at Liverpool’s 4 Corners Gym.
In the match, Jones showcased her skills by delivering three successive left hooks that resulted in Criss being knocked out, crashing face-first to the canvas. This decisive victory highlights Jones’s potential in her new sporting endeavor.
Jones’s opponent, Egypt Criss, is notable for being the daughter of hip-hop stars Anthony ‘Treach’ Criss and Sandra ‘Pepa’ Denton. Despite her background, Criss was unable to withstand Jones’s powerful punches.
Reflecting on her transition, Jones expressed that her move to boxing has been a healing process following a difficult period after her taekwondo career ended. “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 stated.
Jones’s first Olympic gold was commemorated by a matching post box in her hometown of Flint, Wales, where she has continued to inspire local residents. “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 added.
This boxing debut was part of a Misfits Duel event, further establishing Jones’s presence in the boxing world. As she embarks on this new chapter, her fans and supporters are eager to see how her career unfolds.
Jones’s journey from taekwondo to boxing is a testament to her resilience and determination, and her knockout victory is just the beginning of what could be an exciting new career.