Will Jones Make a Splash in Boxing Debut Against Criss This March?

Former double Olympic taekwondo champion Jade Jones is set to make her boxing debut in March, taking on the United States celebrity Egypt Criss in a highly anticipated match. This bout will occur on Saturday, 7 March, in Derby and will be part of an exciting event that features a middleweight fight between Ty Mitchell and Gabe Rosado. Jones, who is transitioning from her illustrious taekwondo career, has been training with former professional boxer Stephen Smith as she prepares for this significant step in her sporting journey.

Last updated: 1 March 2024 (BST)

What’s happening now

Jade Jones, now 31, is gearing up for her debut in the boxing ring after an impressive career in taekwondo. Her transition comes exactly a year after she announced her move to boxing, signifying a new chapter for the celebrated athlete. Jones rose to fame during the 2012 London Olympics, where she secured her first gold medal at just 19 years old. She continued to shine, defending her title in the 2016 Rio Olympics, but faced challenges in her later Olympic appearances.

Key takeaways

Jade Jones will debut in boxing on 7 March 2024 against Egypt Criss.
This match will be part of an undercard event featuring notable fighters.
Jones has been training with Stephen Smith to prepare for her transition.
She is a two-time Olympic gold medallist in taekwondo.
Egypt Criss, her opponent, is the daughter of famous hip-hop artists.

Timeline: how we got here

Jade Jones announced her transition from taekwondo to boxing in March 2023. Since then, she has dedicated herself to training, culminating in her upcoming fight on 7 March 2024. Here’s a brief timeline of key events:

2012: Jones wins her first Olympic gold medal in taekwondo at the London Olympics.
2016: She successfully defends her title at the Rio Olympics.
2020: Jones attempts to retain her title at the Tokyo Games but faces early elimination.
2024: On 7 March, she will debut in boxing against Egypt Criss.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Jade Jones's training with Stephen Smith indicates her serious commitment to boxing. Her fight against Egypt Criss marks not only a personal milestone but also a significant event in the boxing calendar, generating buzz among fans of both sports. The match is expected to attract considerable media attention due to Jones's Olympic legacy and Criss's celebrity background.

What was already established

Jones is celebrated for her achievements in taekwondo; she is a two-time Olympic champion and has a strong competitive history. Her decision to switch sports was announced in March 2023, with a focus on pursuing boxing, reflecting a broader trend of athletes transitioning between combat sports.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The upcoming fight is expected to draw significant viewership, potentially influencing boxing's popularity in the UK. Fans of Jones and combat sports enthusiasts are likely to tune in, which could lead to increased sales for associated merchandise and promotions.

Businesses and jobs

The event could lead to an uptick in local business for Derby, especially in hospitality and retail sectors, as fans gather for the fight. Additionally, the increased spotlight on boxing may stimulate job opportunities within the sport, from coaching to event management.

Policy and regulation

Jones’s debut may also prompt discussions about regulations in boxing, especially regarding athletes transitioning from other combat sports. The sport's governing bodies will be closely watching her progress, as her success could influence future policies on athlete development and training standards.

Numbers that matter

2: The number of Olympic gold medals won by Jones in taekwondo.
31: Jones's age as she embarks on her boxing career.
27: Egypt Criss's age, showcasing a younger competitor in the ring.
12: The number of months since Jones announced her switch to boxing.
1: The date of Jones's boxing debut, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Definitions and jargon buster

Taekwondo: A Korean martial art known for its emphasis on head-height kicks, jumping and spinning kicks, and fast kicking techniques.
Undercard: A series of preliminary bouts leading up to the main event in a boxing match.
Celebrity boxing: A trend where individuals known for their fame outside of boxing participate in matches for entertainment purposes.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, all eyes will be on the fight on 7 March. Fans and analysts will watch closely how Jones adapts to her new sport and what strategies she employs against Criss.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Depending on the outcome of her debut, Jones may explore additional matches, potentially leading to a series of fights that could solidify her presence in the boxing world. Continued training and development will be essential for her success.

Signals to watch

Performance metrics from the upcoming fight, including scoring and audience engagement.
Jones's training updates and feedback from her coaching team.
Media coverage and public interest in future boxing events featuring Jones.

Practical guidance

Do

Follow Jade Jones's journey through social media and sports news for updates on her boxing career.
Attend local boxing matches to support emerging fighters.
Engage with boxing communities to discuss techniques and strategies.

Don’t

Underestimate the challenges athletes face when transitioning between sports.
Ignore the importance of proper training and preparation.
Miss out on the opportunity to support local events and fighters.

Checklist

Stay informed about upcoming fights and events in boxing.
Research training techniques relevant to boxing for personal interest or fitness.
Explore merchandise related to boxing and support the sport.
Engage with community events related to combat sports.
Monitor the performance of athletes transitioning between sports for insights.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Jade Jones’s transition to boxing is exciting, it is important to recognise the inherent risks involved in such a career switch. Not all athletes successfully adapt to new sports, and factors like injury, adaptation to different fighting styles, and public expectation can complicate the transition. As Jones prepares for her debut, the outcomes remain uncertain, and her initial performance may not be indicative of her long-term success in boxing.

Bottom line

Jade Jones's upcoming boxing debut represents a significant moment in her athletic career, marking her transition from a celebrated taekwondo champion to a boxing contender. As fans anticipate the fight on 7 March, it is clear that her journey will be closely watched and could inspire other athletes considering similar transitions. The excitement surrounding her debut reflects the evolving landscape of combat sports, where versatility is increasingly valued.

FAQs

When will Jade Jones make her boxing debut?

Jade Jones will make her boxing debut on 7 March 2024 in Derby against Egypt Criss.

What sports did Jade Jones compete in before boxing?

Before transitioning to boxing, Jade Jones was a successful taekwondo athlete, winning two Olympic gold medals.

Who is Egypt Criss?

Egypt Criss is the daughter of hip-hop stars Anthony 'Treach' Criss and Sandra 'Pepa' Denton, and she will be Jones's opponent in the boxing ring.