UFC Legend Cejudo Faces 'Euphoria' Star Walton in Epic Boxing Showdown

Retired UFC champion Henry Cejudo is set to make his professional boxing debut on September 26 in Miami, with a new opponent confirmed for the main event of Misfits Boxing. Cejudo will now face actor and professional boxing prospect Javon "Wanna" Walton at the James L. Knight Arena. This change comes after Cejudo's originally scheduled opponent, influencer boxer Nurideen Shabazz, known as Dean the Great, was forced to withdraw from the bout due to an injury.

Cejudo, a former two-division UFC champion and an Olympic gold medalist, expressed little surprise at the opponent change. In a statement released to ESPN, he commented, "I knew all along that Dean The B---- would back out, and so I am not surprised. But I have a new opponent now, who thinks he's a fighter, but Wanna will be playing another robot by the time I'm done with him." His statement reflects his typical confident and confrontational style, setting the stage for what he anticipates will be a dominant performance.

Javon "Wanna" Walton, aged 20, brings a unique profile to the boxing ring. He is widely recognized for his role as Ashtray in the critically acclaimed HBO series "Euphoria." Beyond his acting career, Walton is a seasoned former amateur boxer who transitioned to professional boxing in 2023, accumulating a record of 3-0-1 with one knockout. Commenting on the unexpected opportunity, Walton stated, "Henry Cejudo is an Olympic gold medalist and a former UFC champion, so I know exactly the level of athlete I'm stepping in there with. This fight came up out of nowhere and I stepped up without hesitation. I stay ready for moments like this. This is boxing, and this is my world."

Walton is currently signed to Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), where he has maintained an undefeated record in his two appearances in December 2024 and September 2025. Although MVP is not directly promoting the Misfits Boxing event, the company's co-founder, Nakisa Bidarian, approved Walton's involvement. Bidarian highlighted the significance of the fight, stating, "Misfits offered us a significant financial guarantee for Wanna to step in on short notice against Henry Cejudo, an Olympic gold medalist and two-division UFC champion. It's a tremendous opportunity for Wanna to show the world why you don't play boxing and I am confident he will shine bright as the star he is and defeat a UFC great." This match presents a high-profile platform for Walton to demonstrate his boxing prowess against a decorated combat sports veteran.