Rising boxing star Joseph ‘JoJo’ Awinongya Jr., a 21x national champion and member of Team USA’s Youth Division, had a memorable encounter with boxing legend Canelo Alvarez at Tony’s Fresh Market, Bolingbrook, IL on September 26, 2028, during a VMC promotional event. JoJo was accompanied by Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta, who proudly supported the young local champion during the event.
Canelo, a legend in the sport, offered JoJo words of encouragement, urging him to “keep going” as he prepares for the 2024 Youth World Championship Camp. The camp is located at the Youth World Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado October 6th- October 23. JoJo will attend this camp to prepare for the Under 19 World Boxing Tournament, held at the Youth World Pueblo Convention Center, in Pueblo Colorado, October 25 thru November 3rd. This will be a part of his journey toward the 2028 Olympics.
In an exciting exchange, JoJo, who shares the same weight class with Canelo, offered his assistance in future training camps. With a lighthearted “hint hint,” JoJo suggested he could be a useful sparring partner for Canelo when facing taller opponents, highlighting the young athlete’s ambition and strategic insight.
Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta expressed her pride in JoJo’s achievements, applauding his dedication and representing Illinois on a national and global scale. Members of Valencia Boxing Gym also showed support, and Jojo took lots of photos with his fans.
This meeting serves as another pivotal moment for JoJo as he prepares for the biggest stages in boxing and continues to build his legacy as one of America’s brightest prospects.