11 year old Joseph “Jojo” Awinongya Jr. is a standout athlete in the world of youth boxing and is ranked No. 1 in the state of Illinois.
Based in the City of Illinois, Joseph is a four time national champion in the United States and currently ranked number 2 in the country.
Jesse White, the Secretary of state gave the young athlete his own license plate for his excellence in the sport of boxing and on March 15 2017, the Juloit Bugle newspaper published how the City Council of Illinois honoured the young Ghanaian fighter for winning the 80 pound 8-9 years old division title in 2017 at the Silver Gloves National.
He was equally honoured by the Speaker of the house of representatives, Michael J. Morgan, in recognition for being selected the number one youth boxer in the United States and ‘joins in the commemoration of the effort, dedication and hard work that led to his successes and further expresses its best wishes for Joseph’s personal happiness and professional achievements.’
Joseph Awinongya Jr., started boxing at the age of five (5), began to compete at the age of eight (8) and at the age of nine (9) he had already fought 16 amateur bouts.
A typical talent with brains, the Bolgatanga native Joseph Awinongya Jr. is a straight grade “A” student and attends Farragut Elementary School in Joliet, Illinois.
Recently, International Boxing Federation of which Ghana’s Richard Commey is the current world lightweight champion and the United States Boxing Association presented a belt to Joseph Awinongya Jr., congratulating him for his successes, focus and determination.
At 11, Joseph have already secured the Silver Gloves 2017, Junior Olympics 2017, USA National 2017 and Silver Gloves 2017. He volunteered for the state police in Chicago. The young fighter already has a documentary on Amazon prime titled “Fight in America I am your keeper.”
Together with his Dad Joseph Awinongya Snr., who himself was a former professional boxer and acted in Lions Gate movie “Dream” released in 2018, Joseph is just a gifted athlete.
In an interview today by yours truly, on my show, The Ultimate Sports aired on HSTV Ghana, the very television station that have adopted the Ghanaian promising star Joseph Awinongya Jr together with boxingghana.Com and is documenting his career progression from amateur until he turns professional, Mr Awinongya Snr reiterated his resolve to make sure his son achieves his aim
“My son is enjoying himself and that is what I care about the most. He is talented and also a grade “A” student. The sky is the limit. I am grateful for all the support from Ghana and especially from Alhajie and former Ghana great Azumah Nelson.” He expressed on the best Saturday morning Sports show in Ghana aired between 10:30 am and 11:30 am and hosted by Samuel Ofosuhene.
Many Ghanaians including the Ghana Boxing Federation President Mr. George Lamptey are pretty excited for this young chap and are relishing his inclusion in the national team, the Black Bombers for the next Olympics.
Boxingghana.com will keep readers updated on the very latest as far as the development of this wonderful young athlete with roots from Ghana is concerned.
JOSEPH AWINONGYA JR. Is a name to watch.