Double Olympic champion Jade Jones announced that he left Taekwondo to continue his career in boxing.
Jones won gold in a 57 kg women’s category at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, as well as that he was the World Champion 2019 and a triple European discipline champion.
The 31-year-old competed at the 2024 games in Paris before suffered by the shock of the first defeat of Miljana Renjikj from northern Macedonia.
Jones, who will now train former British and common champion Stephen Smith in Liverpool, said: “Taekwondo gave me everything – incredible journey, unforgettable memories and honor to represent his country on the biggest stage.
Jones: boxing has always fascinated me
“I gave everything for taekwondo and now I’m ready for a new challenge. Boxing has always fascinated me and I’m excited to test myself in a completely different arena.
“I know it won’t be easy and, if I’m honest, I don’t really know what to expect, but I manage to push myself beyond my borders and I’m excited about traveling forward.”
Smith said, “Jade is a fighter born – she proved that time and again in Taekwondo.
“Her athletism, dedication and winning mentality are another one. It is my honor to work with her and I have no doubt that she has what she needs to do a serious impact in boxing.”
Jones’ upgrade to her fourth game in Paris last year was overshadowed by a controversy due to a missed drug test in December, which eventually avoided the ban after being revealed in the UK anti-doping that she had committed a violation without guilt on confidential medical grounds.
Watch Natasha Jonas fight against Lauren Price in Royal Albert Hall live on Sky Sports On Friday, March 7th.
