Jade Jones Knocks Out Egypt Criss in Boxing Debut
Jade Jones achieved a decisive victory in her boxing debut, knocking out Egypt Criss in the second round during a Misfits Boxing event held in Derby, England. The fight, which was streamed live on DAZN, showcased Jones’s striking ability as she landed a series of punches that led to the knockout.
The bout concluded in just two rounds, with Jones employing three successive left hooks to floor Criss, who is the daughter of hip-hop stars Anthony ‘Treach’ Criss and Sandra ‘Pepa’ Denton. This match marked a significant transition for Jones, a two-time Olympic taekwondo champion, who previously won gold medals at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics.
Jones, now 32 years old and hailing from Flint, Wales, has been training with former professional boxer Stephen Smith at Liverpool’s 4 Corners Gym. Her switch from taekwondo to boxing reflects her ambition to become a world champion in two sports.
The fight drew attention from notable figures in the boxing community, including Amanda Serrano and Jamel Herring. Serrano commented, “That was Pretty Respectfully! As a fighter, we admire these things without wishing any harm to our opponents. Praying the young lady recovers & is OK.” Herring added, “She wound it up too.”
Jones’s performance was praised for its technical execution, with observers noting her elite fight IQ. One commentator remarked, “Pure masterclass. Transitioning Olympic Taekwondo distance control into a clinical Round 2 setup proves elite fight IQ. That lead-hand entry followed by the hook was total divinity.”
This event was promoted as an exhibition match, highlighting the growing trend of crossover athletes competing in different sports. Jones’s success in boxing is being celebrated, although some critics have pointed out the disparity in experience between her and Criss, who is described as a child star with no prior fighting experience.
As Jones continues her journey in boxing, observers are eager to see how she will develop her skills and whether she can achieve her goal of becoming a champion in this new arena. Details remain unconfirmed regarding her next steps in the sport.
