‘Bags of skills’ – Eddie Hearn signs America’s next boxing superstar after glittering amateur career
Eddie Hearn has signed Team USA's sole 2024 Olympic medallist Omari Jones to a multi-year promotional contract.
Jones won bronze at the Paris Games last summer in the welterweight division, and he will now look to emulate his glittering amateur career in the pros under the Matchroom Boxing banner.
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In the unpaid ranks, Jones also scooped a silver at the 2021 World Championships in Belgrade, Serbia as well as a national elite title in 2020.
According to Ring Magazine, the 22-year-old is expected to make his professional debut in a six-rounder against an undetermined opponent on March 15.
His maiden appearance will reportedly be the co-feature attraction of a DAZN card in Jones' hometown of Orlando, Florida at the Caribe Royale Orlando.
The 6ft 2in orthodox boxer will start his career at super welterweight and has ambitions to rise through the weight classes.
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“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.
“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.
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"Long term, I would like to become world champion, be mentioned amongst the greats and fight the best of the best.”
Hearn is equally thrilled to welcome Jones to his stable of fighters, which includes fellow Olympic medallists Anthony Joshua, Shakur Stevenson, Katie Taylor, and Galal Yafai.
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“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.”
