Henry Cejudo Will Fight Javon Walton in Miami
The professional boxing match is set to take place at the James L. Knight Arena on September 26, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Boxing
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Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo will face professional boxer Javon Walton in a ring encounter scheduled for September 26, 2026. Walton stepped in to replace Nurideen Shabazz, who withdrew from the event due to an injury.
Why it matters
This bout marks a significant pivot for Cejudo, who transitions to professional boxing following a long tenure in the UFC. Walton, a young prospect signed to Most Valuable Promotions, looks to maintain his unbeaten professional record against the seasoned combat sports veteran.
Javon Walton enters the ring with a 3-0-1 professional record including one knockout and a 20-9 amateur record. Henry Cejudo arrives with a 16-6 UFC record compiled between 2014 and 2025.
The players
Henry Cejudo
He is an accomplished athlete who won a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2018.
Javon Walton
He is a professional boxer signed to Most Valuable Promotions who began his professional career in 2023.
Nurideen Shabazz
He is a professional fighter who was originally scheduled to face Henry Cejudo before withdrawing due to an injury.
Most Valuable Promotions
This is a professional boxing promotional company that manages the career of Javon Walton.
The details
Javon Walton, who turned professional in 2023, is currently signed to Most Valuable Promotions. He replaces Nurideen Shabazz, who was forced to pull out of the Miami matchup due to an injury.
Timeline
2008: Cejudo won a gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games.
2018: Cejudo was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
2023: Javon Walton officially became a professional boxer.
September 26, 2026: The boxing match between Cejudo and Walton will take place in Miami.
Season Trajectory
This matchup reflects a broader trend of cross-discipline combat sports events that increasingly define the modern boxing schedule. The outcome will test if Cejudo can adapt his Olympic-level wrestling pedigree to the professional boxing ring against a dedicated young prospect.
This fight serves as a high-stakes test for Walton, who currently holds an unbeaten professional record of 3-0-1. For Cejudo, the bout marks his first major professional boxing appearance following the conclusion of his UFC career in 2025.
The takeaway
Fans should monitor how Cejudo adapts to traditional boxing rules after a long career defined by Olympic wrestling and MMA striking. The bout underscores how promotional companies are increasingly utilizing high-profile former UFC stars to headline cards against rising prospects.
Further reading
For more background on the competitive landscape of the sport, visit Boxing.
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