When you ask Joseph “JoJo the Boxer” Awinongya, Jr. if he has set his sights on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, he responds modestly with a big smile and a twinkle in his eye. It’s the kind of mindset we don’t often see in prominent athletes or future celebrities, especially in their teens. But JoJo is unique, not just because of his boxing prowess or his academic success, but because of his humility, and his strong desire to help others.
“So many people have helped me and supported me,” Awinongya Jr. said. “I want to make sure I can help other young people be a success, too,” he continued. Like his father and boxing trainer, Joseph Awinongya, Sr., JoJo has a vision of creating a state-of-the-art training center in Joliet someday, where young people can learn the self-confidence and discipline that boxing teaches. Classes will be free so that everyone can participate.
“Young people in the community need a place to belong,” he said.
Will JoJo train and qualify for the next Olympics? It’s a strong possibility. The 16-year-old boxing phenom has racked up more wins, awards, and championships than anyone his age and 154-weight class. He was the first athlete to ever win the gold at the Junior Olympics and on June 5, 2023, he celebrated his fourth win. JoJo’s list of boxing accomplishments reads like a future hall of fame athlete: He’s won the Junior Olympics 4 times, the National Silver Gloves 3 times, USA National 3. He is a “19 – time national champion” Awinongya Sr., said.
Joseph Sr. began training JoJo to box when he was 5 years old.
In 2022 he was named as an ambassador for the Joliet Police department to serve as a role model to children in sports.
And while boxing is his passion, he is also focused on his education, and his ambition of pursuing medicine as a career. This spring, he graduated from Joliet Junior College with an associate degree, and earned a full scholarship to the University of St. Francis, where he will receive a warm welcome. “We are looking forward to Joseph becoming part of the University’s welcoming community of learners as he pursues his academic and athletic goals, and as he prepares to contribute to the world through service and leadership,” said David DiLorenzo, the Director of Community & Employee Relations at USF.
Born in the United States to Ghanaian parents, he has become a role model to young people both here and in West Africa. On his first visit to Ghana recently, he was overwhelmed by the love and support he received. “It was very emotional in many ways,” he said. “It really took me out of my comfort zone. It was exciting for my first trip outside the U.S.” The trip was documented in the film “JoJo the Boxer” and shared the father-and-son journey to the family’s ancestral roots. Like a typical teen, JoJo marveled at the differences in customs, food, and music.
JoJo’s dad is an American success story in his own right; Joseph Sr. was signed by the iconic boxing promoter Don King as a cruiserweight boxer after King saw him sparring in Europe. He grew to become an internationally respected boxing trainer and motivational speaker and has even tried his hand at acting. Now Joliet is home, and where he and his wife Valerie have raised JoJo and his two sisters, Veronica (23) and Naomi (10).
“This community has always lifted us up,” Awinongya says. “It takes a village to raise your children, and Joliet has been that village for us, for our family, every step of the way.”
The Awinongya village has included teachers, community leaders, police officers, local business owners and even a mayor or two. JoJo describes sparring with former Mayor Bob O’Dekirk, and going a few rounds with “Freeway” Rick Ross, all documented on his website, https://jojotheboxer.com/. “We had fun,” he says with a laugh.
He admits there were times when boxing, friends and video games took up more time than his books. “When I was avoiding my homework, and my dad couldn’t get me to study, he would call Ms. Summers,” JoJo smiles. Ms. Summers–a retired teacher would always inspire him to get his assignments done.
“He is an amazing young man with purpose. I’m honored to know him,” Summers said. “You know, when you age, life reveals the things that you need to peel away from the top because they have little to no substance. For me, it’s important to have good people in your life’s circle. JoJo is good people.”
Summers’ opinion is shared by many, including Joliet Mayor Terry D’Arcy. On Tuesday, July 18 at 6pm, the mayor will hold a proclamation ceremony at city hall to honor this local hero who seems to have captured the heart of Illinois. In the announcement, the mayor says JoJo “is a true champion inside and outside the ring.”
JoJo’s prowess in boxing, coupled with his passion for learning and his relentless work ethic, have made him a formidable competitor in the sports and academic worlds. But it is his love for his community that makes him a true champion.
The entire community will be cheering for his 2028 Olympic appearance.