Javon “Wanna” Walton is ready for one of the biggest tests of his young boxing career. The 20-year-old actor and undefeated professional boxer is set to face former UFC champion Henry Cejudo in a high-profile Misfits Boxing main event in Miami. Walton accepted the bout on short notice.Cejudo brings an impressive combat sports résumé into the contest. He is an Olympic gold medalist and a former two-division, flyweight and bantamweight UFC champion. However, Walton believes those achievements will not decide what happens inside the boxing ring. He has confidence in his own experience and preparation.
Javon Walton explains why Henry Cejudo’s achievements do not worry him
Javon Walton revealed that the opportunity came together quickly after a call from Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian. The young boxer said he discussed the offer with his team before deciding to accept the challenge.“I get told that I got a fight opportunity on two-week notice, and I talk it over with my team, and we realize I’m in the right mental. I’m in the right mindset, ‘Let’s f****** do this.’ Like, ‘Let’s go after it,’ you know? This is a great opportunity. Some things you just can’t let go”, he told TMZ.With very little time to prepare, Walton immediately began training for the bout. He said his team put together a short but intense camp before the fight.“We had a phenomenal, what, week and a half, two-week camp. It’s time to get right after it, you know. And I can’t wait to show the world what I can do right now”, he added.Walton enters the fight with an unbeaten professional record of 3-0-1. He has also built a public profile through acting, including his role as Ashtray in the HBO series Euphoria.However, Walton believes boxing requires a different skill set. He acknowledged Cejudo’s achievements but said they would not give the veteran an advantage in the ring.“Huge respect for what you did in your area, you know, and I look at that and I’m like, that’s amazing that you’ve accomplished what you’ve accomplished. But when it comes to the ring, he don’t got experience in the boxing ring. This is my field he’s stepping in. So I’m going to show him that he don’t belong in a field like this. You know, this is my ring. This is what I’ve been doing for 16 years. He’s gonna want to go right back to the Octagon right after this”, Wanna said.Walton has also made it clear that he respects Cejudo’s wrestling background. However, he remains confident that his boxing skills will make the difference.“Huge respect to the wrestling, but he can’t handle my hands in the boxing world. I can just tell you that right now”, he added.The matchup gives Cejudo a chance to test himself in another combat sport. For Walton, it is an opportunity to prove himself against one of the most accomplished athletes he has faced.The two fighters are scheduled to meet Saturday night in Miami, with Walton looking to protect his unbeaten professional record and Cejudo making his boxing experience the focus of the matchup.