People new to boxing need to know the Amari Jones karate to boxing background ahead of his latest live boxing fight.
Boxing and karate is a very unusual combination to see in combat sports talked about together.
It doesn’t happen often.
But Amari Jones came from karate initially as a kid before he steps in the boxing ring this weekend in America in a big fight with a former world champion from Germany, here’s the background on that:
- Jones started karate at age 4Â before switching to boxing at age 8, competing in both until age 14.
- He credits karate for discipline and work ethic, saying boxing won out because “the work that you put in is the work that you get out”.
- Karate background contributed to footwork and balance, with media noting his “athleticism and skill” breaking down opponents.
- He developed a switch-hitting style — ability to fluidly switch between orthodox and southpaw stances.
- Trained around champions since age 16Â with Virgil Hunter, who also trained Andre Ward.
- Sparred Caleb Plant, Tim Tszyu, and Joshua Buatsi during development as a pro boxer then, gaining experience vs elite.
- Karate gave him early travel/composure — first plane trips were from boxing at age 15.
- Martial arts background helped him stand out in school: “everyone was always like, ‘that’s Amari, that’s the boxer, leave him alone'”.
- Virgil Hunter says Jones has “all the makings to become a World Champion” since Ward.
- No evidence karate hurts boxing transition — he went 16-0 with 14 KOs and earned IBF #4 ranking.Â
It may not be the typical way champion boxers make their way to a title fight in boxing but it has worked for Jones.
Jones essentially fights tomorrow in a fight that if he wins could see him fight for a world title next this year.
Here’s more info on the Amari Jones fight time tomorrow night — remember it’s Friday night boxing in the US this week.
