Former UFC Champion Henry Cejudo Wins Boxing Debut

Henry Cejudo has added another achievement to his impressive combat sports career. The former UFC champion and Olympic gold medalist in wrestling won his professional boxing debut. At the Misfits Boxing event at the James L. Knight Arena in Miami, the 39-year-old defeated Javon “Wanna” Walton by split decision.

The four-round welterweight bout was closely contested. Two judges scored the fight 39-37 in favor of Cejudo, while the third gave Walton the victory by the same score.

Walton, 20, best known for playing Ashtray in the HBO series “Euphoria,” made a strong start. At around 5-foot-8, he had a four-inch height advantage over Cejudo and used his reach effectively, landing several good left hands. However, Cejudo quickly adjusted to his opponent’s timing and range. He began landing counter right hands more frequently and increased the pressure in the fourth and final round.

After the fight, Cejudo admitted that Walton had won the opening round, but he felt he had controlled the rest of the contest. He also praised his young opponent and said he would be open to a rematch.

“He’s a lot tougher than I thought. He’s got a bright future,” Cejudo said. He also pointed out that he had accepted the fight on just two weeks’ notice.

The former UFC champion also named his next potential opponent. Cejudo wants to face Nurideen Shabazz, better known as Deen the Great. The two were originally scheduled to fight in Miami, but Shabazz withdrew because of an injury.

The bout was another competitive appearance for Cejudo since retiring from MMA in December. He has also remained active in wrestling in 2026, competing three times. Following his victory over Walton, Cejudo’s professional boxing record now stands at 1-0.