Boxing
Welterweight boxer explains how J Cole inspired his career
Watch Shields vs. Joanisse live July 27 DAZN
USA olympian Omari Jones explained how he has been inspired by rapper J Cole.
Jones will compete in Paris this summer in the welterweight division, as the Olympic Games are held in France (live on Peacock in the US. Click here for details.
Speaking to BoxingScene , he explained that as well as boxing he pursues his business and educational interests.
He said: “I feel like education was instilled in me since I was a child. My two brothers graduated from college. So, I knew I wanted to make something out of college.
“I knew I was going to go to school for something, even if I don’t know for what. Even if I don’t get a masters [degree] and all of that, I’m going to get some type of degree after high school.
“So that was always instilled in me. I want to be able to look at contracts and run my website and my business that I have now with my clothing brand and stuff.
"Just things like that are what I’m looking at in the future. I want to be able to see things my way and be able to max out my money the best way I can.”
He then explained how American rapper Cole had an effect, adding: “Yes, it is a lifestyle brand. I was in class one day, just listening to some J.Cole, and he said, a dollar and a dream. So just listening to that song…
“So, I was in class, and I had some free time. So, I just did a lot of drawings with t-shirts and just different ideas and thinking about how I wanted things to look.
“I was boxing full-time since the age of eight. I’d get some allowance from here and there, but I was trying to make my own money. The teachers supported me. My gym supported me, so everybody bought shirts. That was my way of making a little bit of money while in school and boxing.”
Live on DAZN: Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov on August 3. Click here for details .
