Jonte Willis
Jonte Willis, (born October 18, 1983) was born in Memphis, Tennessee and is an American heavyweight boxer best known for winning the US championships at super heavyweight in 2006.
Background
Adopted at the age of four months by Weldon and Dorothy Willis of Bruceton,Tennessee. he is the youngest of five brothers and five sisters. He is cousin of 49er and NFL pro-bowler Patrick Willis.
Amateur career
He started boxing in 2004 and was the Super Heavyweight runner-up at the 2006 Tacoma Golden Gloves and runner-up at the 2006 Oregon Golden Gloves.
He won the US national championship in 2006, initially he was the runner-up losing in the final to Mike Wilson 23-12. However, Wilson failed a drug test, and Willis was awarded the championship.
He also had a 2nd place showing at the 2006 Police Athletic League National Championships where he lost against Michael Hunter, 8-10.
Internationally, Willis fought Cuban's Odlanier Solis Fonte the 2004 Olympic gold medalist and others,in the World Cup tournament in October 2006 Baku. (Willis went into the fights with a previously fractured nose).
He placed 2nd in the 2007 Pam Am Qualifier where he beat Hunter in a close fight 16-16(24-27) but could not compete against his old foe Mike Wilson due to illness.
He won the 2007 Tacoma Golden Gloves where he beat Canada's #2 ranked superheavy weight Brandon Lowrie and continued on to the 2007 Nevada Golden Gloves where he won again against Michael Hunter.
He advanced to the National Golden Gloves where he lost in the semi-finals to Tyler Turner.
At the 2007 US Championships he lost a close bout against Kimdo Bethel 13-13 (25-27).
Other National results: 2005 Ringside "Semi Finalist" 2006 US.National " National Champion" 2006 Pals "Finalist" 2006 Mayor's Cup Canada "Silver" 2006 World Cup "Placed 4 in the World" 2007 Pan Am Box Off's "finalist" Do to illness could not compete for the Championship. 2007 Golden Gloves "Simi Finalist" 2007 US.Nationals for the Olympic Trials lost on points 13-13(25-27)
He trains at the Tacoma Boxing Club in Tacoma, Washington. Willis is coached by 2000 United States Olympic coach Tom Mustin.
Pro career
He turned pro in 2007 weighing 214 lbs.
| Preceded by Mike Wilson |
United States Amateur Super Heavyweight Champion 2006 |
Succeeded by Michael Hunter |