Javon “Pop” Woodard, Jr. Brings In Another Win For the team. (Live from Gateway Arena in Atlanta)
- Rocki Patrice Munnerlyn
- Jun 29
- 3 min read
I can’t express enough how excited I am about witnessing Javon “Pop” Woodard, Jr.’s latest fight at Atlanta’s Gateway Arena — and what a night it was! Javon is not just another name in boxing — he’s a force. A real shark in the game!
Raised in Atlanta but born in Raleigh, North Carolina, Javon’s story isn’t just about talent — it’s about heart. Coming up wasn’t easy for him. Life threw some heavy punches early on. But instead of letting the weight of a rough upbringing crush him, Javon found a way to fight back — literally.
His father, seeing the anger building up in him, introduced him to boxing as a way to channel that energy. What started as an outlet became Javon’s therapy — a place where he could turn the jabs life threw at him into power, focus, and passion. Every jab, every dodge, every knockout wasn’t just a move — it was a step in healing and a reminder that he could conquer anything life put in his path.
Before turning professional, Javon fought in over 100 amateur bouts — yes, over 100! That kind of experience doesn’t come easy. It’s pure grit and dedication. In a recent interview with Rolling Out magazine, Javon shared some real gems. He explained that amateur boxing is a fast game — only three rounds, where you have to break your opponent down quickly. But once you go professional and step into twelve rounds, it’s all about strategy, endurance, and preserving your energy. You could just hear the passion and intelligence in the way he broke it down!
And let’s talk about Javon’s energy: humble but confident. That’s a powerful combination you don’t see every day. Referring to him as “The Great White” fits him perfectly. In the ocean, the great white stands alone — respected and feared — and that’s exactly how Javon moves in the ring. His fans know it. His opponents definitely feel it. His strength, focus, and sharp instincts make him a nightmare to fight and a thrill to watch.
At Gateway Arena, I was right there in the thick of the intense energy. You could hear fans shouting, “Put him to sleep!” while his team calmly encouraged him, “Take your time, you’ve got 12 rounds.” The atmosphere was electric — a powerful blend of nerves, excitement, and anticipation.
One of the most memorable parts of the night for me was realizing just how tough his opponent was. He took an incredible amount of punishment to the face — to the point where the redness stretched from his face all the way down to his chest — yet he refused to quit. It was a true display of resilience and endurance.
However, great fighters like Javon don’t just attack; they study. Javon recognized that while his opponent could take headshots, his body was slowly breaking down. That strategic focus led to the final moment: a devastating body shot that collapsed his opponent’s defenses and ended the fight in Javon’s favor. Smart, calculated, and powerful. Currently, Javon holds a professional record of 14 fights, 12 knockouts, and only 2 losses. That’s just the beginning! And at Gateway Arena, he showcased exactly why he’s one of boxing’s rising stars — quick feet, rock-solid jabs, defensive composure, and an unstoppable spirit.
After the fight, the celebration was just as powerful as the performance. Fans, family members, and friends rushed to gather around the ring, including boxing greats Claressa Shields and ZabJudah. It was a moment full of pride, excitement, and a deep belief in Javon’s future.
Mark my words: Javon “Pop” Woodard, Jr. is only getting started.
What we witnessed at Gateway Arena was more than just another win — it was the continued rise of a true champion. And I couldn’t be more excited to see where his incredible journey takes him next!
Check out this gallery of photos by BOBBY VISUALZ from the locker room just before the fight.
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