Matchroom strengthens its team with Liam Smith and Omari Jones

With Liam Smith and the US talent and bronze medal winner from Paris 2024, Omari Jones, Matchroom has signed an old warhorse and a young talent.

Matchroom Boxing is delighted to announce the return of Liam Smith. The 36-year-old middleweight from England has re-signed with the promoter. Smith was already with Matchroom until 2022, but then switched to Boxxer. Now he is returning to Eddie Hearn after three fights.

Smith has not been in the ring since September 2023. Back then, he lost to Chris Eubank Jr. by technical knockout in the tenth round. Smith had previously defeated Eubank in the fourth round in January of the same year. The Brit is looking forward to the new challenge: “I’ve always had a good relationship with Matchroom. My brothers and I have fought here before. I’m ready for big fights in 2025.

His focus is on future opponents such as Eubank or Conor Benn, who will meet on April 26. But Smith is also open to other challenges. Promoter Eddie Hearn is enthusiastic: “We know Liam well. His ambition is unbroken. I’m looking forward to big fights that will bring him back to the top of the world.

Omari Jones starts her professional career at Matchroom

The US-American Omari Jones has signed a long-term contract with Matchroom. The 22-year-old welterweight from Orlando won the bronze medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Jones was the only US boxer to win a medal.

This brings up an interesting comparison with German heavyweight Nelvie Tiafack, who is also set to announce his move to the professional ranks this week. Like Jones, Tiafack also won bronze at the 2024 Olympic Games, winning the only boxing medal for his country. Both athletes now face an exciting professional career.

Jones recently graduated from Valencia College inOrlando and is looking forward to his professional career. “Eddie Hearn came to Paris to talk to me. I knew immediately that Matchroom was the right choice. I want to stay active and become world champion.” The young boxer is trained by Jason Galarza. His first goal: an active 2025 season with several victories.

Matchroom is convinced that Jones has the potential to become a world star. “He has talent and ambition. We want to take him to the top,” says Hearn.

Matchroom focuses on experience and the future

Liam Smith returns as an experienced boxer, while Omari Jones takes the next step in his career. Both represent the successful mix of experience and talent that Matchroom pursues. The British promoter relies on proven greats and young talent. Fans can look forward to exciting fights.

Text: Andreas Ohlberger