Double Olympic taekwondo champion, Jade Jones wins with knockout in boxing debut

Double Olympic taekwondo champion Jade Jones has made a triumphant transition to boxing, securing a second-round knockout in Derby. After two decades on the mats, the Welsh star delivered a clinical display, flooring her opponent with precision hooks.

Competing in her professional boxing debut at the Misfits Duel 2 in Derby last weekend, Jade Jones secured a knockout victory over American opponent Egypt Criss. Jones needed less than two rounds to prove her pedigree, ending the contest with three successive left hooks that floored her opponent. The 32-year-old from Flint has dedicated the past year to this fresh challenge, aiming to fulfill her ambitious goal of becoming a world champion in two different sports.

Training under the guidance of former professional Stephen Smith at Liverpool's 4 Corners Gym, Jones showed the same distance control and timing that earned her Olympic titles in London and Rio. She has drawn significant motivation from her former roommate and unified world boxing champion Lauren Price, who successfully navigated a similar multi-sport transition.

Following the bout, Jones expressed deep respect for Criss - the daughter of hip-hop legends Treach and Pepa - noting that while the physical victory was the objective, the camaraderie shared with her opponent after the fight was a highlight of a rewarding week.

Reflecting on the milestone, Jones expressed her gratitude for the support system that facilitated her transition.

"I am literally surrounded by the best people, very blessed and very lucky. The goal was to take in and enjoy every single minute of this week and I did just that! I stuck to the plan. What a debut!" she wrote in her Instagram.