DOUBLE OLYMPIC champion Jade Jones is quitting taekwondo to become a professional boxer.
The head-kicking fighter from Flint won Olympic gold at the 2012 and 2016 Games for Team GB and claimed the world title six years ago in Manchester.
Jones, 31, will train under the guidance of ex-boxer Stephen “Swifty” Smith, who was a British and Commonwealth featherweight champion.
The Welshwoman 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.”
Details of her pro debut this year will be announced in due course.
Coach Smith – whose brothers Liam, Callum and Paul are also top-level fighters – is confident she can make a successful switch between the two combat sports.
He said: “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.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Six craziest Olympics stories” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6358421087112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]“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.”
Jones’s fourth and final Games last year in Paris – where she lost in the first round – were overshadowed by a missed out-of-competition drugs test in December 2023.
Though she was not accused of any drug taking, Jones faced a possible ban of between 2-4 years for the anti-doping breach.
Yet after a five-month probe, she was cleared to compete in the French capital by the UK Anti-Doping Agency (Ukad) following examinations conducted by two independent consultant psychiatrists.