From the pre-fight weigh-in to the ring-walk, Jones is fully prepared for a number of firsts in Derby.
“It feels even more crazy, the fact I’m going to get in a boxing ring, doing the walk-on that everyone talks about, no head guard, a full on fight, it is crazy, but I am crazy and I absolutely love it,” she said.
“The ring-walk, the lights, the ring, even things like getting your hands wrapped, I’m really trying to embrace everything and try to enjoy it.
“Life’s about making memories and new experiences. Not many can say that they’ve done that walk. I’m really proud of myself for committing to the challenge.”
Nicknamed ‘The Headhunter’ during her glittering taekwondo career due to her ability to kick opponents in the head, Jones is no stranger to being ruthless in combat.
But even an athlete as fierce as Jones accepts she may need to improve her game face when it comes to her upcoming face-off with Criss.
“I’ve had a little practice with the guys in here and I just always end up bursting out laughing,” she said of learning to square up to an opponent during the pre-fight build-up.
“Hopefully I can be a more serious on the night and a bit more scary.”
