Eva D. Jones-Young “Sweet Magic”
Bantamweight
Bouts: 20
Rounds: 106
16 (5KO) 4 0
Debut: 1996-11-09
Career: 1996-2009
Eva was born in South Bend, Indiana July 14th, 1964 to Dorothy & Rev. Hardy Jones. Her father was a Baptist Minister and she was one of 12 children.
Before boxing, Eva got involved with martial arts at the age of 14. In her 18 years of marital arts, she competed in over 1,000 martial arts matches. She competed in state, regional and national tournaments. She won numerous titles including 14 World Championships. She finished 1995 & 1996 ranked #1 nationally in women’s black belt light weight fighting by the North American Sports Karate Association.
Eva had a 6-0 record in a brief kickboxing career. In October of 1996 Eva started training for boxing, and on November 9th, 1996 she made her pro debut. Her first title came January 10th, 1998 by way of seventh round knockout over Teresa Arnold for the IWBF World Bantam Weight Title. On March 24th, 1998 she won her second title with a fourth round knock out of Cheryl Robinson of England for the WIBF World Bantam Weight title. Then on June 11th, 1999 Eva won the vacant IFBA World Bantam Weight Title with a unanimous decision victory over featherweight champion Leona Brown. All three title bouts were shown on Pay-Per-View Television.
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Eva has been a business owner in the Michiana area for over 30 years. Eva and her former husband Richard owned and operated Clean America Building Services. Eva then went on to found Champion Pressure Washing & Window Cleaning.
Over time Eva joined Larry as an owner of the St. James Boxing Club, a non-profit organization. The club had worked with area youth for over 60 years. Eva was an ideal role model and trainer for youth at the club before they closed its doors in 2021 due to Covid.
In 2019, Eva was inducted into the Indiana Boxing Hall of Fame. In 2022 she was inducted into the Indiana Sports Hall of Fame, The National Boxing Hall of Fame, The International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame and The USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. In 2023 she was inducted into The Ultimate Martial Arts Hall of Honors and The Masters of Martial Arts Hall of Fame. In 2024 she was inducted into the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame. In 2025 she was inducted into the Illinois Sports Hall of Fame and the Ohio Sports Hall of Fame. Eva now spends time with her husband Larry Young, daughter EvaMarie Young-Ray, son-in-law Keith Ray and grandsons Levi Ray and Liam Ray.