Omari ‘The Banger’ Jones has joined Matchroom Boxing
Team USA Olympic medalist Omari Jones has signed a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom.
Jones won bronze at the Paris games last summer in the Welterweight division as the sole boxing medalist for America, and now the outstanding Orlando talent will look to emulate his amateur success in the paid ranks.
The 22 year old added his Olympic prize to the silver medal he won at the 2021 World Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, and Jones’ pro debut will be announced by Hearn and Matchroom tomorrow.
Jones’ success in the ring is matched by his achievements in the classroom, with his journey into the paid ranks coming hot on the heels of his graduation from Valencia College in Orlando with an Associate Degree in General Studies with business focus, and now Jones is ready to turn his attention to making waves in the professional code.
“I am happy to announce that I am turning pro with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom,” said Jones, who will be trained by Jason Galarza in Orlando, and will begin life in the paid ranks a few pounds north of the Welterweight limit.
“I chose Eddie because he came to meet with me in Paris after my last fight in the Olympics and I understood how serious he was about my making a superstar and global star. I also want to stay busy, and I feel that Matchroom and Eddie Hearn is the perfect fit for that.”
“My goals in the professional game in 2025 is to stay active, and win. Long term, I would like to become World champion, be mentioned amongst the greats and fight the best of the best”
Jones becomes the ninth Olympic medalist to make their pro debut with Hearn and Matchroom, and his new promoter is thrilled to be welcoming the Olympic star to the best team in boxing.
“I am delighted to have won the race to sign Omari,” said Hearn. “Omari caught my eye when I saw him fight at the Olympics – the star potential was there for all to see, and I am honoured that he has chosen Matchroom and DAZN to guide him in the pros. The medal in Paris was the culmination of an outstanding amateur career, and I have no doubt that he is going to transfer that success into a glittering career in the paid ranks.
“Omari has all the ingredients to become a household name in America; he has bags of skills, a great style, real work ethic, an infectious personality and the drive to help young people and his community. We’re excited to get the journey started and news will come tomorrow of that first step.”
The previous eight medalists to make pro debuts with Hearn and Matchroom are: Luke Campbell, Anthony Joshua, Katie Taylor, Daniyar Yeleussinov, Joshua Buatsi, Galal Yafai, Andy Cruz and Beatriz Ferreira.
And only earlier today, Matchroom announced the signing of another Paris 2024 Olympian read more…