A boxer, a law student and police officer, Janathan 'Mufasa' Hanson aims to combine his diverse background to succeed in professional boxing.
Born in Wilton Gardens, more popularly known as ‘Rema’, Hanson experienced frequent relocations during his childhood. At the age of six, he left behind the familiar surroundings of his neighborhood and moved with the other members of his family to the Bronx, New York to start a new life. During this period, Hanson had a fleeting interest in boxing but credits the shaping of his character and determination with these early childhood experiences.
After seven years in the concrete jungle, Hanson relocated once again with his family - this time crossing the Atlantic to settle in South London out of their desire for better opportunities. Now an adolescent, his interest in boxing was once again sparked out of the need to defend himself against bullying. “I previously started lifting weights and I got really big and people in my high school started to take notice and wanted to challenge me, so I found boxing again to learn how to defend myself.”
Hanson further developed his boxing interest into an obsession and found an outlet at the Battersea Amateur Boxing Club. His ability in the ring quickly attracted the attention of the local boxing fraternity who recognized his disciplined and dedicated approach to the sport. He began to make a name for himself while honing his skills in London based competitions. However, the combination of a desire to represent Jamaica at the Olympic Games and another move by his family prompted a final relocation - this time back to Kingston, Jamaica where he continues to live, train and compete.
Fully committed to his boxing development during this stage of his life, Hanson clinched a series of seven National Amateur Boxing Championships over a nine-year period. Nevertheless, during this period of his life, Hanson's ambitions did not stop there - while winning National Championships and representing Jamaica on the international stage, he then began pursuing a law degree from the University of Technology, Jamaica in 2017.
It was not an easy task for Hanson to manage his boxing career and to study law simultaneously, but in typical boxing fashion, he decided to defy the odds by accepting yet another challenge and joined the National Police College of Jamaica in June, 2022 with an aim of becoming a police officer. When asked about the decision to join JCF he remarked, “ I decided to dedicate at least five years of my life, serving and protecting my people.”
Hanson’s interests can be classified as uniquely singular, however, he believes that each complements the next and that fruitful connections can be made between his pursuits in the ring, in the classroom, and towards serving and protecting the citizens if Jamaica.
As he put it, “Boxing has prepared me for success in and out of the ring - a level of uncertainty looms over each of my endeavours, but I’ve been tested and I’ve authentically pursued my passions in creating the best version of myself that offers value to Jamaica.”
Everything came full circle in a stellar 2023 for Hanson, the Jack of All Trades, achieved major milestones in all his pursuits. As of June, he became an official member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force after graduating from the National Police College of Jamaica. He then made the seamless transition into the professional boxing ranks by successfully winning his debut fight on October 7, against 16-fight veteran Kevin ‘Bus Boy’ Hylton at the Ebony Vale Community Centre in Spanish Town. Last but not least - in November, he officially completed his studies at the University of Technology, Jamaica, graduating with a law degree.
When asked about his plans for the future, Hanson shared his aspirations to reach new heights in the boxing world. “My eclectic background and diverse experiences have equipped me with a unique perspective, giving me an edge in most situations.”
He further added that although he has officially fought as a professional boxer, he has never given up on his Olympic dreams and plans to represent Jamaica at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
In a society that often emphasizes specializing in one particular field, Hanson challenges this notion - the boxer has armed himself with a law degree, and accepts the challenges of serving and protecting the average Jamaican citizen. A testament to the mindset that he developed over the years as a boxer - his story serves as an inspiration for those who believe that success is not limited to one domain but can be achieved in various fields with the right mentality.
Joshua expects to fight at Wembley in September with Zhang or Wilder lined up
Anthony Joshua expects to return to Wembley Stadium for his next fight in September, with either Zhilei Zhang or Deontay Wilder lined up as his opponent.
Joshua stopped Francis Ngannou in the second round in March, his fourth straight win since suffering back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022.
His last two fights have been held in Saudi Arabia, but as he inches closer to a shot at regaining the titles he lost to Usyk three years ago, he is eyeing a return to his native London.
"It'll be some date between September 20 and September 25. Whenever they tell me there's a date, you know I'll be ready 100 per cent," Joshua told TalkSport of his next fight.
"It's going be in London, Wembley Stadium, this is what I'm being told. If this is what they say, they usually stick to their word."
Pushed on possible opponents, he said the result of Zhang's upcoming bout with Wilder – who was scheduled to face Joshua in March only for those plans to be derailed by a shock defeat to Joseph Parker – will be decisive.
"On June 1 in Saudi Arabia, they've got Filip Hrgovic versus Daniel Dubois and Zhilei Zhang versus Deontay Wilder. Out of that pool, that's who I'll be fighting."
On Wilder, Joshua added: "If he looks good, that'll reignite that flame that he had. Boxing is all about perception, so I pray he does his thing and Zhang does his thing, and I'm ready."
There has also been plenty of talk about Joshua facing Tyson Fury in an all-British tussle in recent years. The WBC heavyweight champion faces Usyk in a huge unification bout next month, and with a two-way rematch clause present in their deal, they are likely to face off twice before the year is out.
When those obligations have been met, Joshua will be waiting, saying: "I know the fans want that big fight with Fury, but he's got his obligations with Usyk.
"They're working on it but I've just got to stay focused, stay disciplined, steamroller through opponents and get closer and closer to having a fight with Fury. Hopefully that'll be in London as well."
Jerone Ennis impresses in professional debut with first-round knockout
Jamaican boxer Jerone "Beast" Ennis made a memorable transition from amateur standout to professional prospect with a commanding victory in his debut fight on Saturday night at the Pickering Casino Resort. Ennis, a two-time Caribbean Amateur Champion, showcased his skills and promise by knocking out his Argentinian opponent Marcelo Adrian Fernandez (4-3-1) at 1:51 into the first round of their scheduled four-round contest in the light-heavyweight division.
Ennis wasted no time in displaying his pedigree, exhibiting poise, ring intelligence, and superior technique early in the fight. His chief-cornerman, Ryan "RG" Grant, commended Ennis's performance, stating, "He performed real well, he is a real promising talent coming out of Jamaica. I like that he's a thinker in there and he's got good eyes, looking and seeing his spots to land and to move on defense."
The turning point came when Ennis unleashed a powerful overhand right that sent Fernandez crashing to the canvas, beating the referee's 10-count only to face a relentless barrage of punches from Ennis. The onslaught forced the referee to intervene, awarding Ennis a TKO victory at 1:51 of the first round.
Ennis's victory was significant, as he became the first boxer to stop Marcelo Adrian Fernandez in the opening round of any fight. President of United Boxing Promotions, Tyler Buxton, expressed his satisfaction with Ennis's debut performance, highlighting the promising future ahead for the young Jamaican prospect.
Fellow countryman and stablemate Kemahl "Hitman" Russell praised Ennis's debut, stating, "He did what he was expected to do, the formula worked - training in Jamaica and showing up and proving on the big stage. He has a bright future."
Looking ahead, Ryan Grant emphasized the importance of keeping Ennis active in the ring without any setbacks, indicating high expectations for the rising star.
Born on February 4, 2000, in Denham Town, Kingston, Jamaica, Jerone Ennis represented Jamaica at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, U.K., reaching the quarter-final stage before making his professional debut. Ennis joins an esteemed roster of Jamaican fighters under United Boxing Promotions, including heavyweight Ricardo "Big 12" Brown, middleweight Kemahl "The Hitman" Russell, super welterweight Joshua "HellRazor" Frazer, and super middleweight Shakeel "The Jamaican Juggernaut" Phinn.
Jerone Ennis's successful professional debut marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in his boxing career, with aspirations of achieving further milestones and making a significant impact on the international stage.
This is my time, my destiny, my era and my generation – Fury on Usyk showdown
Tyson Fury has declared it is “my time, my destiny, my era and my generation” ahead of his blockbuster showdown with Oleksandr Usyk.
WBC champion Fury is set to fight Ukraine’s WBA, IBF and WBO title-holder Usyk on May 18 in Saudi Arabia in the first undisputed world heavyweight bout of the century.
Regarding his opponent, the former unified cruiserweight champion who made his heavyweight debut in 2020, Fury told a press conference on Wednesday: “It’s not personal, it’s strictly business for both fighters. There’s a lot of stuff on the line, but I don’t hate him, he don’t hate me.
“I respect him, as a man, as a fighter. Everyone has to respect the man’s achievements. Good fighter – I have a tough challenge in front of me. But I’m very confident in my ability and I’m very confident I’ll beat the guy.
“When the cruiserweights step up to the big boys, usually they get found wanting. You can beat the average big ones but you can’t beat the elite big ones, because size really matters. We have weight divisions for a reason and he’s going to be found wanting when he fights me on May 18.
“This is my time, my destiny, my era and my generation. Fact.”
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