March 2026

PROSPECT WATCH: Omari Jones By Manouk Akopyan

After finishing each of his four wins by stoppage inside three rounds in 2025, including two in his hometown, Jones believes he can be a force moving forward. “I had an amazing 2025 campaign,” Jones told The Ring. “It couldn’t have gone any better to start my career. I need to keep winning against the right opponents and win the belts, and ultimately, I can be a face for American boxing in the near future. We’ll get there eventually on God’s timing. My career is going to be a special one.”

W ho’s the next face of American boxing? the sport at the end of last year. In order to fit the description, the fighter must possess the perfect blend of ability and marketability – a prolific jab, preferably paired with a promotable gab, much like Floyd Mayweather Jr. did in the generation before. One candidate who believes he has the ingredients to be in the mix as the next flag bearer is 2024 Olympic bronze medalist and undefeated junior middleweight Omari Jones. It’s a question many are asking, especially after Terence Crawford announced his retirement from Jones (4-0, 4 KOs), a 23-year-old prized prospect from Orlando, Florida, turned pro last year after his decorated amateur career. The aggressive boxer-puncher with fleet feet and a telegenic smile signed with Matchroom Boxing USA once Eddie Hearn made an aggressive push for the rights to promote him.

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