No Limits, just possibilities: Omari Jones brings Olympic spirit to South Jersey youth

Fresh from a standout professional debut – and with an Olympic bronze medal from Paris part of his growing list of accolades, Omari Jones made a memorable visit to the No Limits Boxing Academy in Rio Grande, New Jersey this week, offering far more than just a photo opportunity.

Over 100 young boxers from South Jersey gathered at the community-based gym for what turned out to be a truly special and inspiring evening.

Still riding high from his Olympic success and unbeaten pro debut, Omari could easily have taken a back seat. Instead, he got stuck in – leading drills, sharing technical tips and throwing himself into a high-energy coaching session that had every young person in the gym fully engaged.

However, it wasn’t just the boxing that made a lasting impression. Following training, Omari led an open-floor discussion where he spoke honestly and openly about his journey so far – from a promising amateur in Orlando, Florida, to representing Team USA on the world stage, to making his professional bow under the Matchroom banner.

He talked about the hard work, discipline and mental strength it took to reach the top level, as well as the setbacks he faced along the way. There was no bravado, just a genuine desire to connect with the young people in front of him, many of whom are at the very beginning of their own paths – both in boxing and in life. His key message? That belief, consistency and a sense of purpose can take you anywhere.

Reflecting on the visit, Omari was keen to emphasise the importance of helping the young people visualise a positive future for themselves.

“I see myself in a lot of these kids – the same hunger, the same questions, the same potential,” said Jones.

“If sharing my story can help even one of them believe they’re capable of more, then it’s worth every minute,” he continued.

“Boxing changed my life and now I want to use it to help change theirs.”

Each young person in attendance received a signed copy of Omari’s book, The Journey of an Olympian, along with official Team Jones training gear.

However, the real takeaway was the connection – between a young athlete who’s walked the walk and a room full of kids learning to believe in what’s possible.

The visit also shone a light on the outstanding work being done at No Limits Boxing Academy, where boxing is just the beginning. While the sport provides structure and purpose, it’s the wider programme – offering mentorship, academic support, therapy and community that truly transforms lives.

A registered non-profit serving Cape May County, No Limits Boxing Academy has created a safe haven for local youth for over four years. All services are provided free of charge, supporting young people who often face significant challenges at home or in school. The gym becomes a second home, one where they’re encouraged to grow personally, emotionally and spiritually.

Many arrive straight after school and stay late into the evening. Before training begins, they complete homework with tutors, spend time with mentors, talk with therapists or faith-based leaders and bond with peers.

After boxing, they take part in shared responsibilities, then sit down together for a family-style dinner. These daily routines offer a sense of belonging and stability that’s often missing elsewhere.

In every sense, No Limits is building far more than boxers. It’s building futures, grounded in care, consistency and the belief that with the right environment, every young person can thrive.

Head Coach Josh Mercado, who founded No Limits in 2020 to offer more than just a gym to his local community, spoke passionately about the impact Omari’s visit had.

“These kids don’t always get to see people who’ve made it, who’ve come through something similar and stayed the course,” said Mercado.

“Omari was real with them; he didn’t sugar-coat anything – and they listened because they knew he meant it. That kind of inspiration, you can’t fake. It’s powerful and it stays with them.”

It’s rare to see such a natural alignment between a professional athlete and a grassroots organisation, but here it was clear. Both Omari and No Limits share a commitment to guiding the next generation, not just towards sporting success, but towards a more positive future in general.

The visit to No Limits reflected a broader, growing commitment to meaningful community engagement around the world.

Speaking after the event, Matchroom’s Head of Community Development, Alex Le Guével, emphasised that the impact of events like this extends well beyond a single session or visit.

“What we saw in Rio Grande is exactly the kind of connection we aim to build through Matchroom in the Community – an elite athlete using his platform to lift others and a grassroots gym creating real, daily change in young people’s lives,” explained Le Guével.

“Omari Jones and No Limits are perfectly aligned in their vision – and it complements the work we’re doing across the world: using boxing as a vehicle to inspire, empower and create opportunities. This is what sport should be about.”

At Matchroom, there is a genuine belief in boxing’s power to change lives and the visit to No Limits Boxing Academy was a perfect example of that in action.

What happened in Rio Grande wasn’t just about boxing, it was about community, connection and the power of showing up.