ORLANDO, Fla. — Omari Jones knew at the age of eight that boxing was his future. Not just quoting, the greatest, Muhammed Ali, but he was also showing that he had a gift. 

What You Need To Know

  •  Omari Jones boxes for team USA 

  • Only American to win two golds during team USA European tour '23

  •  Mentors young boys at Gotha Middle School 

  • Hoping to represent team USA in 2024 Olympics 

Like many kids, Jones was trying things out to get a feel for what sport he liked most. He tried karate and fell in love with the combat aspect of it.

“From there, I knew it was going to lead me somewhere. I wasn’t sure where, but I knew going into boxing was the best decision for me,” Jones said.

It’s been quite some time since Jones has been boxing, over a decade now. But the dream of being bigger than he could ever imagine has always been the same.

“My goal was always the 2024 Olympics and I’m closer than ever right now to get there,” he said.

He is now representing the United States and Central Florida as part of team USA and in the best position of his boxing career.

“It’s kind of amazing that it’s bigger than what I expected it to be,” he said. 

There’s no doubt that getting to the top takes a lot of hard work and, while Jones has the talent and is extremely gifted, getting there hasn’t always been easy.

“Just having to fight multiple Olympians, top 10 guys in the world, so being up against the top competition I had to put my talent with their talent and I had to come out on top in order to be a silver medalist,” he said.2023,

That was just two years ago, the Valencia College student has put in blood, sweat and tears. In 2023 he took first in the Gee Bee International Tournament and in 2022, he took third in the AMBC Elite Championships and first in the USA boxing International Invitational all this, with less than 30 fights under his belt. 

With great success, he still see’s everything as a way to get better, “Being the underdog and not be seeded and come out on top, and be on team USA and then go and win multiple international tournaments, it just speaks for itself, the hardworking and dedication over the years that’s paid off.”

Back in May, Omari, once again ended at the top of the podium with his victory over Milos Bartil to be the only American to win two golds during the team’s European tour. The view from the top is nice, especially from a podium. It’s a time to reflect on how he ended up here.”

“All glory to God, without him nothing is possible. I have my parents who are always by my side, my coaches, trainers, mentors. I’m truly blessed,” he said.

In his next international fights, Jones will have to place gold or silver in order to give him that shoe in for the United States Olympic team.