Error code: %{errorCode}
'This is a big moment' - Eddie Hearn tips Olympian to be world champion ahead of professional debut
Matchroom's Eddie Hearn has placed a lot of pressure on the shoulders of Olympian Omari Jones.
Jones, who won bronze at Paris 2024 for Team USA, makes his professional debut on Saturday night, live on DAZN, on the undercard of Austin Williams vs Patrice Volny.
At the age of 22, Jones was a sought after amateur talent with an exciting career ahead. Under the watchful eyes of Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing, Jones will be hoping he can replicate his amateur success in the professional ranks with the sport of boxing going from strength to strength.
Ahead of Jones' professional debut, Hearn labelled his prospect's fight against Alessio Mastronunzio 'a big moment', and is confident that the American can become a world champion.
"This is a big moment, most importantly for Omari Jones. This is a big moment for Matchroom, for DAZN. It’s a big moment for American boxing," Hearn told Matchroom Boxing.
"When I look at the young superstars turning professional, this kid has it all. He has a wonderful temperament, he has a great soul, he has an incredible work ethic. He looks a million dollars, he’s a fantastic ambassador for the sport and his community here in Orlando and for young people in America.
"He’s a standout amateur, Olympic medallist, he’s an incredible fighter.
"I watched this man in Paris, straightaway I thought this kid is a world champion in waiting, we have to sign this young man."
Jones' opponent, Mastronunzio, boasts a 14-5 professional record with four wins coming by way of knockout, and comes into this contest on the back of a two-fight winning streak.
Sign up to a DAZN subscription to watch the very best boxing
DAZN is the home of combat sports, broadcasting over 185 fights a year from the world's best promoters, including Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC and more.
An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 (for 12 months access), that's just 64p per fight. Or a Monthly Flex Pass is only £24.99 per month (cancel any time).
It is not just about fight night, a DAZN membership also includes access to documentaries and features, weekly boxing magazine shows, live fight watchalongs, press conferences, weight-ins, open workouts, exclusive interviews and access to training camps, and podcasts and vodcasts.
Sign up right now to watch the biggest stars and best fights.
For pricing in your country, more information and to sign up click here.