OLYMPIAN Omari Jones will make his professional debut on March 15 against Alessio Mastronunzio at the Caribe Royale in Orlando.
Claiming a bronze medal at the Summer Games, Jones inked a deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom and now takes the first exciting step into the paid code.
Sporting a 14-5 (4 KOs) record, Mastronunzio is an experienced campaigner with over 100 rounds under his belt. Eight years older than Jones, the Italian will be looking to upset the odds in their six-rounder. Jones, meanwhile, is buzzing as the unofficial star of the show.
“My hometown supported me through the Olympics and even before it as well,” he said.
“My dream is to fight the best-of-the-best and right now is just the beginning of my career. The most important part is to be active and stay in the gym which I’m always doing, so I’m ready for the call for a World title when that comes.
“I feel I could be America’s next boxing superstar. It’s something I’ve worked for my whole life; it’s the same ring I’ve been fighting in for the past 14 years just in a different arena. I’m ready for the professional game and ready to step in against the big boys.”
Jones’ bout against Mastronunzio is on the undercard of Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams’ headliner with Patrice Volny. That middleweight clash goes over 12 rounds or less.
