Taekwondo champ switches to boxing

LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — British double Olympic taekwondo champion Jade Jones announced Friday that she is switching sports to pursue a career as a professional boxer.

Jones, 31, who won gold at London 2012 and Rio 2016, will be trained by former British and Commonwealth champion Stephen Smith in Liverpool.

“Taekwondo has given me everything — an incredible journey, unforgettable memories and the honor of representing my country on the biggest stage,” she said.

“I’ve given everything to taekwondo and I’m now ready for a new challenge. Boxing has always fascinated me and I’m excited to test myself in a completely different arena.”

Jones was only 19 when she won gold in the -57kg category in London and repeated the feat four years later before going on to clinch an elusive first world title in Manchester in 2019.

The build-up to her fourth Olympics in Paris last year was overshadowed by controversy over a missed drugs test in December 2023, for which she ultimately avoided a ban after UK Anti-Doping found she had committed a no-fault violation on confidential medical grounds.

She exited in the first round at the Paris Games.

Smith believes Jones has the tools for her new sport.

“Jade is a born fighter — she’s proven that time and time again in taekwondo,” Smith said.

“Her athleticism, dedication and winning mentality are second to none. It’s an honor to be working with her and I have no doubt she has what it takes to make a serious impact in boxing.”