Double Olympic taekwondo champion Jade Jones has announced her retirement from the sport to embark on a new challenge as a professional boxer. The 31-year-old Welsh athlete, who claimed gold medals at London 2012 and Rio 2016, will now train under former British and Commonwealth boxing champion Stephen Smith in Liverpool.
Reflecting on her decision, Jones said: “Taekwondo has given me everything – an incredible journey, unforgettable memories and the honour of representing my country on the biggest stage. 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. I know it won’t be easy and, if I’m being honest, I don’t really know what to expect, but I thrive on pushing myself beyond my limits and am excited by the journey ahead.”
Jones made history at the age of 19 when she won gold in the -57kg category at the London Olympics, a feat she repeated four years later in Rio. In 2019, she finally secured her first world title on home soil in Manchester, further cementing her status as one of Britain’s most successful martial artists.
However, her preparations for the Paris Olympics last year were marred by controversy following a missed drugs test in December. She was ultimately cleared of wrongdoing after UK Anti-Doping ruled it a no-fault violation based on confidential medical grounds.
Jones’ debut in the boxing ring will be announced in due course, and her new coach, Smith, believes she has the qualities to make a successful transition to the sport.
“Jade is a born fighter – she’s proven that time and time again in taekwondo,” said Smith. “Her athleticism, dedication and winning mentality are second to none. It’s an honour to be working with her and I have no doubt she has what it takes to make a serious impact in boxing.”
As Jones steps into this new chapter of her sporting career, she will be aiming to replicate her taekwondo success in the highly competitive world of professional boxing.
Olympic champion Jade Jones retires from Taekwondo to pursue Boxing career
