Javon “Wanna” Walton has swiftly captured public attention, not just for one, but two demanding and distinct disciplines: acting and professional boxing. Born on July 22, 2006, in Atlanta, Georgia, this dynamic young talent has already carved a notable path in both Hollywood and the boxing ring, showcasing a level of dedication and skill that belies his age. This article delves into the multifaceted career of Javon Walton, exploring his journey in acting and boxing, his impressive achievements, and addressing the questions that fans frequently ask about this rising star.
Early Life and Athletic Prowess: A Foundation in Combat Sports
Javon Walton’s journey into the world of athletics began at a remarkably young age. Under the guidance of his father, DJ Walton, a boxing coach and founder of the athletic apparel company Onward Athletics, Javon started boxing at the tender age of four. His natural talent and rigorous training quickly became evident.
Beyond boxing, Walton also excelled in gymnastics, starting at the age of five. He trained diligently at Georgia Gymnastics Academy, reaching Level 8 in the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympics Program by the age of eleven. This dual dedication to both boxing and gymnastics highlights his exceptional athleticism, discipline, and commitment to physical excellence.
Notably, Walton achieved the remarkable feat of becoming a five-time Georgia State Champion in boxing and a four-time USA Boxing South East Regional Champion, alongside his achievements in gymnastics. He was even identified by Under Armour at the age of eight as one of their “NEXT” athletes, a testament to his early potential.
Stepping into the Spotlight: Javon Walton’s Acting Career
While deeply immersed in the world of combat sports, Javon Walton’s life took an unexpected turn towards acting. In 2017, his appearance on the Steve Harvey Show, where he showcased his boxing skills, caught the attention of casting director Jennifer Venditti. This serendipitous moment led to an audition and ultimately his acting debut in the critically acclaimed HBO series “Euphoria” in 2019, where he portrayed the complex and compelling character Ashtray.
His powerful performance in “Euphoria” garnered widespread recognition and opened doors to further acting opportunities. Walton landed a main role in the Amazon Prime Video series “Utopia” (2020), playing Grant Bishop alongside established actors like John Cusack. His versatility as an actor was further showcased when he voiced Pugsley Addams in the animated film “The Addams Family 2” (2021). In 2022, he starred in the Netflix superhero series “The Umbrella Academy” as the character Stan and played a significant role as Sam Cleary in the superhero thriller film “Samaritan” opposite Sylvester Stallone. Most recently, in 2024, Walton starred in the Hulu true-crime miniseries “Under the Bridge,” portraying Warren Glowatski.
His burgeoning acting career has seen him work alongside prominent figures in the entertainment industry, demonstrating his ability to hold his own on screen. Despite his relatively young age, Walton has proven his capacity to handle diverse and challenging roles, earning him a dedicated fanbase in the acting world.
Professional Boxing Debut: “Wanna” Enters the Ring
In July 2023, Javon Walton signed with Jake Paul’s boxing promotion, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), signaling his serious commitment to professional boxing. His first public appearance under the MVP banner was during the open workouts leading up to the Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz fight.
Walton, who also goes by his ring name “Wanna,” made his professional boxing debut on December 20, 2023, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, securing a first-round TKO victory against Moises Guzman Almonte in the super featherweight division. His second professional fight took place on March 2, 2024, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, against Joshua Torres, which resulted in a majority decision draw after four rounds.
As of early May 2025, Walton holds a professional boxing record of 2 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw, with one win by knockout. He was scheduled to fight Erik Hanley in September 2024, but the outcome of that bout is not yet reflected in readily available online records, suggesting the fight may have been postponed or the result is not widely publicized.
Standing at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters), Walton competes in the super featherweight division. His southpaw stance and amateur boxing background, including numerous state and regional championships, provide a solid foundation for his professional career.
A Balancing Act: Navigating Two Demanding Careers
Javon Walton’s ability to simultaneously pursue high-level careers in both acting and professional boxing is truly remarkable. Both fields demand immense dedication, rigorous training, and significant time commitments. Walton has demonstrated an exceptional capacity to manage these dual responsibilities, showcasing a maturity and focus beyond his years.
His father, DJ Walton, plays a crucial role in managing his son’s athletic career, serving as his boxing coach. The family’s support has been instrumental in enabling Javon to excel in both his artistic and athletic endeavors. Walton himself has expressed a deep passion for both acting and boxing, indicating a strong drive to succeed in both worlds.
The Future Looks Bright: A Star in Two Arenas
Javon Walton’s trajectory is undoubtedly one to watch. His dedication and success in both the demanding worlds of acting and professional boxing are a testament to his exceptional talent and work ethic. As he continues to hone his skills in both arenas, he possesses the potential to achieve significant milestones in both Hollywood and the boxing ring. His journey is a compelling narrative of a young individual defying expectations and carving his own unique path to success. The world eagerly awaits the next chapters in the remarkable story of Javon “Wanna” Walton.
FAQs
What is Javon Walton known for?
Javon Walton is known for being an American actor and professional boxer. He gained significant recognition for his role as Ashtray in the HBO series Euphoria. He has also appeared in other acting projects like Utopia, The Umbrella Academy, and the movie Samaritan. In July 2023, he signed with Jake Paul’s boxing promotion, Most Valuable Promotions, and made his professional boxing debut in December 2023.
What is Javon Walton’s background in boxing?
Javon Walton has been boxing since the age of four. Before turning professional, he had an amateur boxing record of 29 bouts with 20 wins. He is a five-time Georgia State Champion and a four-time USA Boxing South East Regional Champion. He signed with Most Valuable Promotions in 2023 and made his professional debut in December 2023. As of April 2025, his professional boxing record is 3 fights with 2 wins (1 by knockout, 1 by decision) and 1 draw. He competes in the super featherweight division.
What are some of Javon Walton’s notable acting roles?
Javon Walton’s most notable acting role is Ashtray in the critically acclaimed HBO series Euphoria (2019-2022). He also played Grant in the Amazon series Utopia (2020), voiced Pugsley Addams in The Addams Family 2 (2021), portrayed Sam Cleary in the movie Samaritan (2022) alongside Sylvester Stallone, and played Stan in The Umbrella Academy (2022). He also appeared in the Hulu miniseries Under the Bridge (2024) as Warren Glowatski.
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