Born: July 14, 1964
Biography:
Eva Jones-Young, born on July 14, 1964, is an American former professional boxer who made a significant impact on the sport during her career. Known by her ring name Eva Jones, she competed in the bantamweight division between 1996 and 2009, leaving a lasting legacy in women’s boxing.
Jones began her professional boxing journey on November 9, 1996, with a victory over Deirdre Rodriguez in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The win marked the beginning of her remarkable career and set the stage for what was to come. Demonstrating her determination and skill, she continued to exhibit her talent in subsequent fights, impressing both fans and critics alike.
On March 3, 1997, Jones faced off against Anissa Zamarron in Houston, Texas, and secured another victory with a four-round unanimous decision. Her further successes solidified her claim as a rising star in the boxing world. However, her undefeated streak came to an end on August 14, 1997, when she suffered her first professional defeat against Para Draine in Worley, Idaho, losing by a four-round unanimous decision. Despite this setback, Jones showed resilience and immediately made a comeback with a first-round knockout victory against Kim Jeffryes on September 9.
Jones experienced more triumph in her career, including a noteworthy victory over Delia Gonzalez on October 24, 1997, in Tula, Mississippi. She defeated Gonzalez by a unanimous six-round decision, further establishing her as a formidable force in the ring.
One of the defining moments in Jones’s career came on January 10, 1998 when she faced IBA world Bantamweight champion Theresa Arnold for the vacant IWBF world Bantamweight title. In a thrilling match held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Jones not only became a world champion but also handed Arnold her first professional defeat. With a seventh-round knockout win, Jones claimed the IWBF title and solidified her place among the boxing elite.
Continuing her success, Jones captured the WIBF world Bantamweight title on March 24, 1998, with a fourth-round knockout victory over Cheryll Robinson. Her skill and determination shone through as she defended her title with passion and tenacity.
After a non-title bout and a rematch with Para Draine, Jones encountered a setback in her career when she lost the WIBF title to Margaret Sidoroff on February 26, 1999, in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. The defeat did not deter her spirit, as she was soon presented with an opportunity to become world Bantamweight champion once again.
On June 11, 1999, Jones faced Downtown Leona Brown for Brown’s IFBA world Bantamweight championship. In Bossier City, Louisiana, Jones emerged victorious after a hard-fought ten-round decision, claiming the IFBA title for the second time. Her determination and resilience propelled her to success and further cemented her place as one of women’s boxing’s most prominent figures.
Jones’s final fight took place on February 5, 2000, in Germany, where she fought Michelle Aboro for the WIBF’s vacant world Super Bantamweight title. Unfortunately, she suffered a tenth-round knockout, marking the end of an illustrious career in the sport.
Throughout her boxing journey, Eva Jones-Young consistently displayed her indomitable spirit, remarkable skill, and passion for the sport. Her achievements and contributions to women’s boxing continue to inspire aspiring athletes even to this day.
Awards:
– IWBF Bantamweight title, 1998
– WIBF Bantamweight title, 1998
– IFBA Bantamweight title, 1999