Javon Walton earned the nickname “Wanna” from his dad and mom as a toddler, a reputation given to him for his unrelenting wish to do something and all the pieces. The title is a becoming one, given the success he has achieved thus far each as an actor and a boxer.
Now, the multihyphenate can add model signee to his resume.
Walton is the newest addition to the Jordan Model household, a lineup that features the likes of NBA star Luka Dončić, standout NFL quarterback Dak Prescott and others. The corporate has additionally bolstered the youth presence on its roster as of late, including each 19-year-old NBA rookie sensation Paolo Banchero and 18-year-old incoming UCLA basketball participant Kiki Rice — the corporate’s first title, picture and likeness (NIL) athlete — in October.
At simply 16, Walton has turn out to be the youngest member of Group Jordan.
“Jordan is the house for me is as a result of it’s a image of greatness and represents limitless potential,” Walton informed FN.
Speak of signing with Jordan Model, in keeping with Walton, started in July when he appeared within the marketing campaign for the Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 Low “Reverse Mocha.”
“Reggie Saunders [Jordan Brand VP of entertainment marketing] was actually pushing for me. Jordan Model noticed my skills within the boxing and appearing areas, and noticed that I used to be actually attempting to do one thing particular and that I’m doing one thing particular,” Walton stated. “I’m not simply out right here attempting to do what’s regular. I wish to make an enormous distinction in all totally different elements and areas in my life. I feel that’s why Jordan needed to signal me.”
Along with becoming a member of the crew, Walton has labored with Jordan Model — an organization with a wealthy historical past in boxing, which incorporates backing icons Andre Ward and Roy Jones Jr. — to create a customized boxing boot.
“Boxing is simply what I really like, man. That’s been my ardour since day one. I dwell and I breathe boxing, and that’s what kicked off all the pieces in my profession,” Walton stated. “The design behind the boot is bringing again that Roy Jones Jr. and Andre Ward look, however with my very own particular twist to it. Roy Jones Jr. wore it again within the day, and I’m actually simply bringing it again to life.”
Jordan Model, nevertheless, didn’t affirm if the boot would finally see a retail launch or if it could be unique to Walton.
Javon Walton (L) and Jordan Model VP of leisure advertising Reggie Saunders. CREDIT: Courtesy of Ralph Suguitan
Walton’s favourite boxers as we speak are a few of the sport’s elite, names that embrace Teofimo Lopez, Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford, Shakur Stevenson and Gervonta “Tank” Davis. At some point quickly, Walton hopes to be included among the many greatest.
“A brief-term purpose — and it’s actually not that lengthy away — is signing at 18 as an expert boxer. That’s solely a yr and a half away,” he stated. “I’m actually enthusiastic about that. The tip purpose is to be a world champion in a number of divisions and actually simply take over the boxing recreation.”
Exterior of the ring, Walton has a strong appearing profession. His most notable character is Ashtray on the HBO present “Euphoria,” and he additionally has standout roles on the sequence “The Umbrella Academy” and within the 2022 movie “Samaritan” with Sylvester Stallone.
Trying forward, Walton revealed to FN that he’s set to make a significant announcement “with an enormous streaming service” within the subsequent week or so. He additionally revealed a task he’d wish to play sooner or later.
“A dream roll for me could be [‘Batman’ sidekick] Robin. I feel that I’d play that fairly effectively, and I simply I really like that entire superhero world,” Walton stated. “I really feel like I may put like my very own particular spin on it, which might be tremendous cool. It will be accomplished like nobody else.”
Jordan Model signee Javon Walton on the Nike headquarters in Beaverton, Ore. CREDIT: Courtesy of Ralph Suguitan
