Joliet’s JoJo Awinongya wins another national boxing title

Another boxing tournament, another win for Joliet teenager JoJo Awinongya.

Just before Christmas, Awinongya competed at the USA Boxing National Championships in Richmond, Virginia. He moved up a weight class from 165 to 176, but it didn’t seem to affect him.

In fact, it affected the competitors in his weight class far more.

“I only had to fight one fight at the nationals,” Awinongya said. “There were 10 originally signed up, but only one boxer showed up once they heard I was in the weight class.”

That’s not surprising, as Awinongya’s title is the 22nd national championship for the youngster. The last title he won was at 165, but as his body has grown and matured, Awinongya said he has put on the added weight without even trying. Awinongya beat fellow Illinois boxer Gustavo Medina to win the title.

“After my last tournament when I fought at 165, I put on a lot of weight quickly,” he said. “I think my body is just now getting to the weight where it’s the happiest. I got stronger, but I didn’t lose any speed or anything like that, so I think this is the weight I am supposed to be at right now.”

There will be no resting on his title for Awinongya. His next tournament is right around the corner when he will fight in the Silver Gloves Regional Tournament in Rockford from Jan 3-5. After that, it will be on to the Silver Gloves National Championships in Independence, Missouri, starting Jan. 26.

It might be tempting for Awinongya to skip the Silver Gloves and continue his training for the 2028 Olympics, but this is the last go-round before his gloves change color.

“I am 17, so this is my last year to compete in the Youth Division or the Silver Gloves,” he said. “After that, I go to Elite or Golden Gloves, which is for fighters 18-40. I want to go to my last Silver Gloves tournaments.”

While boxers in his weight class might not like to see Awinongya’s name among those entered in the tournament, there are others who seek him out at events.

“I have people come up to me all the time and ask for tips,” he said. “There was one boxer from Chicago at the last one, and he came up to me and asked what he should do against a fighter that only threw rights. I told him to not just stand there and take those shots. He should dodge them and counter.

“I like it when the other boxers or trainers come up to me and ask me for tips like that. The wins and everything are great, but being able to help other guys out with their boxing really makes me happy.”