OMARI Jones wowed his hometown crowd with a punch-perfect professional debut. The 2024 Olympic bronze medallist (who wore it during the introductions) made it 1-0 with one KO, defeating Italy’s Alessio Mastronunzio in the second round.
Even though the visitor was significantly more experienced, his reckless offensive style was made to order. Falling to 14-6 (4 KOs), Mastronunzio was a capable debut foe with convenient flaws. Jones made him look like a novice, blasting the right hand in, followed by a variety of shots from different angles.
Mastronunzio just about made it out of the opening session. Jones carried on where he left off in the opener, prompting referee Luis Pabon to intervene barely 20 seconds into the second round.
The loser’s face was bruised and blemished with the writing on the wall. That said, Luis Pabon’s stoppage after 22 seconds of the round did feel a little premature.
Promoter Eddie Hearn plans to bring his man back out in four weeks, on the Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis vs. Eimantas Stanionis, April 12 undercard. Hearn described Jones as a future American superstar.
