Next Stop Paris: As Jo Jo Awinongya continues to make reaching the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France his goal, the young boxer out of Illinois is sharing what his hard work looks like on the latest episode of, “No Days Off” by Whistle Sports.
You can always count on Jo Jo Awinongya do put the work in. Looking on patiently as his father and trainer, Joseph Awinongya Sr. taped up his knuckles and fists, the 12-year old boxing phenom was getting ready for another day of training in a gym and ring that has become known for developing some of the best young fighters within the Chicago Golden Gloves.
Part of that journey entails keeping an eye on qualifying for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.
“He looks dominant. He is the future of boxing,” said former Heavyweight boxer and Olympic Bronze Medalist (‘96) Nate Jones, when asked about the growth of Jo Jo and watching him improve with each punch.
“I want to see the him do great and go to the top. The sky is the limit. He’s dedicated himself in the gym.”
Jo Jo is just the latest young athlete being featured in the “No Days Off” video series by Whistle. The story chronicles a typical day for Jo Jo starting with his 10AM sparring session at Sam Colonna Boxing — Chicago’s premiere gym owned and run by renowned boxing trainer and cut man, Sam Colonna — and delves into the daily dedication that has driven Jo Jo to become a champion in the sport and Olympic hopeful.
Last November, Wooter Apparel proudly became an official sponsor and teamed-up with both Jo Jo and Joseph Sr., to design and create customized apparel for the Awinongya camp. The partnership not only allowed both trainer and fighter to leave their mark on boxing by enhancing their own branding, but it also gave yet another reason to keep your eyes on Jo Jo’s rise in the fight game.
The list of fights and wins is impressive and steadily growing much like the kid himself. Along with being a 3-time Silver Gloves National Champion, 2-time Jr. National Olympic Champion, and Power Gloves National Champion, Jo Jo also boasts a record that includes championships at the USA Nationals, St. Louis Nationals (twice), and Wisconsin Nationals (twice). After an hour or sparring, Jo Jo goes into speed training with speed training coach, Otibio “Tib” Jones, where they focus on movement, quickness, and footwork. The bi-weekly training sessions in the gym also include endurance running and some evening pad work.
“We are focused on his amateur career and building him up to the level that everyone is talking about, “ added gym owner, Sam Colonna.
“That’s what makes him so special. He’s grown up in a boxing family. He knows hard work pays off in the long run. I can see him going far in the boxing world.”