The next step in the career of Javon ‘Wanna’ Walton will have to come later.
A medical infection forced the 18-year-old southpaw from the Sept. 6 Most Valuable Prospects 8 show. Walton (1-0-1, 1 KO) was scheduled to face Erik Hanley (1-1, 1 KO) in the evening’s co-main event at Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida.
The balance of the show will move forward, including the main event of Kevin Hayler Brown-John Bauza. Most Valuable Promotions is in the process of securing a new main sponsor for the event.
Walton was hoping to get back into the win column after a four-round tie on Feb. 2 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The bout was on the undercard of Amanda Serrano’s planned homecoming, featuring MVP co-founder Jake Paul (10-1, 7 KOs). His appearance on the Sept. 6 show would have been the first in the lower 48 states for Atlanta’s Walton.
That day will come at the end of the year.
“Javon’s well-being is our top priority,” said Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of MVP. “While we are disappointed that he will not be able to participate in Most Valuable Prospects 8, we are confident that he will make a full recovery and return to the ring stronger than ever.
“We appreciate the support of his family, fans and the boxing community during this time.”
Walton is best known for his role as “Ashtray” on the hit HBO series Euphoria. He signed with MVP last July after abandoning his dream of competing in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Walton’s early star status was evident by being the youngest athlete ever to enjoy an endorsement deal with Nike’s Jordan brand.
Brown (5-0, 3 KOs) and Bauza (18-1, 8 KOs) meet in a ten-round 140-pound regional title fight.
The other bouts budgeted for the main card are:
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- Hendri Cedeno (13-0, 10 KOs) vs. Enriko Gogokhia (13-1-2, 8 KOs) in an 8-round super lightweight fight;
- Yoelvis Gomez (7-1, 6 KOs) in an 8-round middleweight bout against an opponent yet to be named.
Currently for the preliminary undercard:
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- Bree Howling (7-0, 2 KOs) vs. Beata Dudek (4-3, 4 KOs) in an 8-round bantamweight clash;
- Harley Mederos (6-0, 5 KOs) vs. Nikolai Buzolin (9-9-1, 5 KOs) in a 6-round lightweight bout;
- Antraveous Ingram (7-0, 2 KOs) vs. Cruse Stewart (8-3, 6 KOs) in a 6-round junior middleweight bout.
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