Hearn signs contender Liam Smith, Olympic medalist Omari Jones
Smith re-joins Matchroom Boxing looking for opportunity at 160; only American to claim boxing medal at 2024 Paris Games goes pro
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One veteran and one blue-chip prospect have both signed with Matchroom Boxing, the company announced.
On Wednesday, middleweight contender Liam Smith, a former WBO junior middleweight titlist, returned to the company that had previously promoted him.
A day earlier, 2024 U.S. Olympic welterweight bronze medalist Omari Jones signed “a long-term promotional deal” and will launch his professional career in the coming months.
Smith (33-4-1, 20 KOs), 36, of England, was with Matchroom as recently as 2022, but had had his last three bouts with Boxxer.
Smith has not fought since September 2023, when he suffered a 10th-round knockout loss Chris Eubank Jr. in their rematch after having knocked Eubank out in the fourth round of their first fight in January 2023.
Smith’s ring return date is not set yet but he said he is happy be back with Matchroom.
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“I have always had a great relationship with Matchroom, where they’ve promoted my brothers (Callum, Paul and Stephen) and, of course, myself a few years back. It’s great to re-sign with them and now we’re looking forward to some huge fights together in 2025.”
With Eubank set to fight Conor Benn on April 26 in London in the first of two contracted bout, Smith figures he could be in the picture for either of them after their bouts are over. But there will be other fights for Smith first.
“Obviously, I will be keeping a very close eye on the big fight coming up in my division with Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn,” Smith said. “But generally speaking I’m very excited about what the future holds for me, especially with (Matchroom Boxing promoter) Eddie (Hearn) so closely involved with the Riyadh Season shows and some of the biggest events in the sport.
“I’m buzzing to be working with Eddie and Frank (Smith) again. This is a big year and I can’t wait to get going with Matchroom.”
Hearn said he was pleased welcome Smith back to the company.
“We’ve worked together before, and we’ve always had a great relationship,” Hearn said. “Liam certainly needs no introduction. The desire inside him burns brighter than ever before and I’m looking forward to seeing him in some huge fights that will hopefully propel him towards his dream of becoming a world champion again.”
Omari Jones also signs
Also on board is Jones, a 22-year-old from Orlando, Florida, who claimed a bronze medal at last summer’s Paris Olympics and took home the only boxing medal for Team USA. Jones, a recent graduate from Valencia College in Orlando with an associates degree in general studies with a business focus, was also a silver medalist at the 2021 World Championships in Belgrade.
“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 plans to begin his pro career fighting a bit above 147 pounds. “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 (making me) 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 are 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.”
Make sure to check out the 2024 award stories
According to Matchroom Boxing, Jones will be the ninth Olympic medalist to turn pro with Matchroom Boxing.
“Omari caught my eye when I saw him fight at the Olympics,” Hearn said. “The star potential was there for all to see, and I am honored 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.”
The previous Olympic medalists to make pro debuts with Matchroom Boxing were Luke Campbell, Anthony Joshua, Katie Taylor, Daniyar Yeleussinov, Joshua Buatsi, Galal Yafai, Andy Cruz and Beatriz Ferreira.
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