Joseph “JoJo” Awinongya’s Jr., a 21-time national boxing champion and member of Team USA, from Joliet, Il, is preparing for one of the most pivotal moments in his career: the U19 World Boxing Tournament. Set to take place from October 25 to November 3 at the Pueblo Convention Center in Pueblo, Colorado, this tournament is the next major step in Joseph’s journey toward the 2028 Olympics.
Reflecting on his path, Joseph speaks about the transformative power of boxing in shaping his outlook and decisions:
“Boxing gave me the mental discipline and clarity I needed to approach life with a different perspective. It’s the reason I decided to attend college early—it taught me to handle challenges, stay focused, and think strategically.”
Joseph, who enrolled in college as a young teenager, credits the sport with helping him push boundaries both in and out of the ring. His unique approach to life, shaped by boxing, has prepared him for the intensity of competition and the discipline required for academic success.
At the upcoming tournament, Joseph will face an impressive roster of international contenders, including Mustapha Abdou (Algeria), Linkyn MacMillan (Australia), Gabriel Dos Santos (Brazil), Martin Frantisek Rusnak (Czechia), Rahul Kundu (India), Ritsukiphilemon Obijiaku (Japan), Ramazan Isaev (Kyrgyzstan), and Connor Anderson (New Zealand). As he steps into the ring, Joseph will once again demonstrate the determination and resilience that have become his trademarks.
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