PROSPECT WATCH: OMARI JONES
Currently leading the stateside pack in the post-Crawford era are pound- for-pound-ranked stars like David Benavidez, Shakur Stevenson, Devin Haney and Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez. Outside of the P4P list are known commodities and top draws such as Teofimo Lopez Jr. and Ryan Garcia, while the likes of Keyshawn Davis, Jaron Ennis, Vergil Ortiz and Richardson Hitchins wait in the wings. Jones will have to jockey for position with the up-and-coming likes of Abdullah Mason, Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington, Emiliano Vargas, Ernesto Mercado and Curmel Moton to represent the USA in the coming years, just like he did during the 2024 Summer Games in Paris. Jones’ Olympics run ended after dropping a split decision to
eventual gold medalist Asadkhuja Muydinkhujaev of Uzbekistan. But Jones is proud of his accomplishment as the only American medalist at the last games, even though he wasn’t in the primary position on the stand. “It was the best moment of my life to see myself on the podium, to live out the dream that I wrote down and prayed about for a long time,” said Jones. “Right now, nothing has topped that moment, and I am just proud that I was able to represent my country.” Hearn swayed Jones from contemplating another run for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles by courting him in person, in Paris, immediately after the games concluded. “It just showed that Eddie wanted me to be a part of Matchroom more than anybody else,” said Jones. “Signing
with Matchroom was one of the best decisions I made in my life. It was one of the biggest and scariest steps that I took … I believe they can make me a superstar. I have a great work ethic. We’re going to go to great places, with the way I act, the way I carry myself. With all of those attributes together, I can be the next superstar.” Jones said he’s been preparing for the grand stage ever since he first picked up a pair of boxing gloves at the age of 8. Soon afterward, he was enthralled by the Olympic journeys of Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roy Jones Jr. and Mayweather, and he studied the all-time
Jones captured bronze at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
In his second professional bout, Jones stopped William Jackson in one.
greats in hopes of creating a similar path for himself. “I traveled to 13 countries in three years with USA Boxing,” said Jones. “They gave me a huge platform to showcase my talent, and I ended up fighting in front of 15,000 people in the Olympics. I’ve been built for the big moments that I’m heading for.” Jones shows that he’s well beyond his years outside of the ring as well. He’s already penned a book, The Journey of an Olympian, and has invested in the next generation through his eponymous foundation by leading toy drives and coaching camps around the Orlando area. “I love staying close to home with my family and community,” said Jones. “It’s a source of motivation to see them
every day.” Jones still lives in Orlando and trains nearby at the School of Hard Knocks with head coach Jason Galarza. He also has a business sense, as evidenced by the clothing line he’s launched and the business degree he’s earned from Valencia College. As the evolution from prospect to contender continues, Jones is on his way to graduating to eight-rounders this year. “I’m looking to get more rounds under my belt and continue improving on my performances, but I’m not complaining about getting these guys out of there quickly either. The less punishment you take, the better,” said Jones. “I want to set a tone with the level of opponents I take on so the challenges show the trajectory that I want to work
toward. I train hard, and when the lights come on, I perform.” While the luster of headlining in locales like Las Vegas and New York still inspires fighters as the calling card of reaching boxing’s pinnacle, Jones is looking to put on for his city in addition to the country. “I can absolutely be a franchise-like draw in Orlando,” he said. “My ultimate goal is to sell out the arena where the NBA’s Orlando Magic play. Once I develop into superstardom, there is going to be a whole new wave of Omari Jones fans for years to come.”
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