Central Florida Olympic bronze medalist set to make professional boxing debut

CASSELBERRY, Fla. – Omari Jones, a bronze medalist in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, will make his professional boxing debut in Orlando on March 15.

The Edgewater High School alum will face Alessio Mastronunzio at the Caribe Royale Resort in the Welterweight division (71kg/156lbs.).

“What excites me the most is that it’s here in my hometown of Orlando, Florida for my debut,” Jones told News 6. “A lot of fighters don’t get the opportunity to make a big splash in their first professional fight; they’ll fight someone else. But, for me to have it here, I know my city is going to come out; they supported me through the Olympic Games.”

Although Mastronunzio has a 14-5 record with 4 KOs, Jones has confidence going into his debut. He was the only American boxing medalist and has won many times in the amateur level, including winning gold at several different international events.

“I have experience, he has experience,” Jones said. “It’s just [about] who’s going to step up to the table. He’s 14-5; I’m a debut, coming fresh out of the Olympics. I feel like my experience that I use from the Olympics is going to help me to show why I belong.”