The middleweight prospect Amari Jones – one of boxing’s most talked-about up-and-comers – has recruited the esteemed trainer Virgil Hunter.

Jones, 22 and from Oakland, California, holds a record of 13-0 (12 KOs) and last fought in August, when he stopped Daniel Echeverria in the third round in a bout he also promoted. 

Having fought twice in 2024, Jones awaits a major opportunity as he continues his ascent in the division.

“I am excited to work with Virgil Hunter,” he told BoxingScene. “I’ve been around him for a long time, and the fit works well.”

Jones recently relocated back to the Bay Area after training in Las Vegas.

“I am taking my game to a new level,” he said. “Virgil is the master of fundamentals.”

Hunter, who is known for guiding Andre Ward from the amateurs to an Olympic gold medal, world titles, and ultimately to the International Boxing Hall of Fame, has also trained top fighters like Andre Berto, Amir Khan, and, more recently, Joshua Buatsi. Jones will be training with Hunter in Hayward, California, in preparation for an upcoming fight – the details for which are to be announced.