Jade Jones retires as double Olympic taekwondo champion to start new boxing career
Two-time Olympic taekwondo champion Jade Jones has bid farewell to her sport in favour of a thrilling switch to professional boxing.
At 31, following her landmark golds at London 2012 and Rio 2016, she's poised to be coached by former British and Commonwealth champ Stephen Smith, based in Liverpool.
Jones has shared her passion for her new adventure: "Taekwondo has given me everything - an incredible journey, unforgettable memories and the honour of representing my country on the biggest stage."
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Further expressing her readiness for fresh pursuits, she went on: "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."
Acknowledging the uncertainty that lies ahead, she highlights her enthusiasm: "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, who grabbed her first gold aged just 19 in the -57kg class in London and then did so again in Rio before clinching her inaugural world title in Manchester in 2019, was shrouded in controversy leading up to her fourth Olympic bid in Paris last year due to a missed drugs test in December.
Nonetheless, this resulted in no ban as UK Anti-Doping ruled it a no-fault violation based on confidential medical grounds.
Plans for Jones' first boxing showdown are under wraps for now, but with an announcement coming soon and her trainer Smith - part of the stellar boxing family including champions such as Liam, Callum, and Paul - firmly believes Jade can make her mark in the ring.
Smith stated: "Jade is a born fighter - she's proven that time and time again in taekwondo.
"Her athleticism, dedication and winning mentality are second-to-none. It's an honour to be working with her and I have no doubt that she has what it takes to make a serious impact in boxing."
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