Euphoria Star Javon ‘Wanna’ Walton Booed Out by Boxing Community After Disappointing Result in Global Debut

Javon “Wanna” Walton made his official Global Debut on Saturday night. Walton walked to the square circle for his second professional fight against a much more experienced and older opponent, Joshua Torres. The initial rounds were slow-paced, which kept him inactive, while the later ones produced some slick action, this may have harmed Walton’s chances of winning. The excitement of a Hollywood star trying to make his name in boxing had the fans buzzing. They were keen on what the 17-year-old actor had to offer as a boxer. However, it ended up being a disappointment for him.

The Umbrella Academy actor finished with a majority draw against Joshua, with two judges scoring the fight 38-38 and the third giving the 39-37 advantage to Walton. During the presser after the bout, Javon was asked if he was surprised that the crowd booed so early on, he said, “My activity was low. There’s a lot of things I could have done better in this fight. I’m not happy with my performance, but this is where we start. I’m 17 years old, I have a long path ahead of me. I feel like I let the moment get the best of me. I wasn’t able to stick to my game plan exactly the way I wanted to, I didn’t use my jab enough. Going back to the drawing board.” 

Walton further added, “My opponent gave me a good fight. I personally think that I took this one, but the decision is what it is. I’m grateful to be able to fight on this stage… It’s not like just anybody can step up here and fight in front of this many people. It’s a hard thing to do.”

Walton further revealed he will continue his boxing career. The 17-year-old Walton will face the 32-year-old Torres from Simi Valley, California. Torres is winless, fighting only in his hometown and averaging one fight per year.

The Euphoria Star made his pro debut on Dec. 20 with a first-round TKO over Moises Guzman Almonte in the Dominican Republic. His first fight saw him in the ring for only two minutes and 18 seconds as the bout was stopped via technical stoppage. There are not many details regarding his bout.

Read More: All You Need to Know About Javon Walton’s Boxing Journey: Amateur Career, Olympics and More

Walton’s promoter, Jake Paul also appreciated the Umbrella Academy actor for his commitment and said, “This is what he was made for, he is built for this. It is in his DNA working in front of crowds, and being an actor gives you that skill to be in the moment, and work in front of people. Oddly enough, it can prepare you for moments like that – so he has got it.”

Javon “Wanna” Walton’s global debut could be summed up as ‘so close, yet too far.’ And, fans around the world surely did have their thoughts to share about the bout.

Fans react to the electrifying debut of Javon “Wanna” Walton

After being on the receiving end of a draw, it earned him mixed reviews on social media after the bout. One user commented on how Javon was not pleased with the result and wrote, “There’s no way that was a draw. No f*cking way.”

Slim “The Hitman” Albaher turned to his X handle and suggested the arena’s pressure caught up to the young boxer. He said, “That arena pressure definitely caught up to Javon wanna Walton. Not easy fighting on a huge stage at 17 years.”

A fan detailing the fight wrote, “Javon “Wanna” Walton drew his second professional fight, his rival Joshua Torres, came out quite difficult. He is a good boxer, he is 17 years old, he has an infinite career ahead of him. He fights beautifully, he is left-handed, he tries to keep his opponent away with the jab.”

However,  Senior Writer for Sports Illustrated Chris Mannix pointed out how Walton didn’t show any elite speed or power and wrote, “Javon “Wanna” Walton gets a split draw in his second pro fight against unheralded Joshua Torres. Credit Walton—an established actor—for making the pivot to boxing but he’s going to have to be matched carefully. Torres clipped him a couple of times. Walton, 17, didn’t show elite speed or power. Still, vows to push forward in boxing.”

Similarly, another comment read, “Walton’s judgement of distance and timing is so bad. Looks like he’s sparred very little. Fox the Gs on the other hand actually looks like he has very good judgement of distance and timing. I think Wanna Walton goes night night.”

A draw is not the result Walton had hoped for and worked hard for. While he admitted some nerves unsettled him, he believed he did enough to score a win. Walton intends to continue his professional boxing career.

What do you make of this fight between Javon ‘Wanna’ Walton and Joshua Torres? Do you believe the Hollywood star did enough to bag a debut win? Let us know in the comments below.

Also Read: Jake Paul Arriving in a Chopper Gets Overshadowed by Euphoria Star Despite Impressing Some Fans