In the competitive world of youth boxing, few stories shine as brightly as that of Markise "MJ" Wilson Jr. The young boxer from Chicago has quickly risen to prominence, recently earning the top ranking in his age division from USA Boxing. At just nine years old, MJ has already compiled an impressive record of 10 wins and no losses, establishing himself as a formidable opponent in the ring.
MJ's journey in boxing began at a young age, influenced by his father's passion for the sport. Markise Wilson Sr. encouraged his son to train rigorously, emphasizing the importance of sparring with various opponents to enhance his skills. "My dad said that if you want to be good, you've got to go to other gyms and spar people. So, we went to another gym and sparred other people and I just ran through them. A lot of people started calling me 'The Terminator' and we stuck with it," MJ recalled. This nickname has become synonymous with his fighting style, as he continues to dominate his competitors.
MJ's accolades include winning the National Silver Gloves in February and securing a gold medal at the Junior Olympics in June. These achievements highlight his dedication and talent in the sport, as he expressed, "It's a lot of fun emotions. It feels good to be winning. Every national I've been to, I won it." His success at such a young age is not only a testament to his hard work but also to the support he receives from his family and training partners.
Markise Sr. has a background in boxing, having competed as a teenager, but he acknowledges that his son has surpassed his own achievements. "The sky's the limit for the kid. I'm so proud of him because he already outdid me," he said. The bond between father and son is evident, as Markise Sr. provides unwavering support and encouragement, often cheering for MJ with his signature phrase, "boom," every time his son lands a punch.
MJ is not alone in his boxing journey; he trains alongside the Houston brothers, Rae'Sean and Kentrell, both of whom are accomplished boxers in their own right, holding multiple national titles. Their camaraderie and shared experiences in the ring foster a competitive yet supportive environment. Rae'Sean noted, "We're always with each other. It's fun doing it together," while Kentrell praised MJ's potential, stating, "He's probably going to be one of the best boxers that you can think of at a young age; you're going to be hearing his name a lot."
The Houston brothers are trained by their father, Lamont Houston, at the Sam Colonna Gym, where MJ also trains. Lamont emphasized the importance of mentorship and discipline in shaping young athletes. He believes MJ's early exposure to championship-level training has set him on a path for success. "I think the reason why [MJ] got off to this hot start that he did is because he understands a championship pedigree," he explained.
Looking ahead, MJ has set his sights on competing in the 2026 USA Boxing National Open, scheduled for September 26 in Cleveland. To support his aspirations, his family has launched a GoFundMe page to help cover travel, lodging, and tournament fees. Markise Sr. expressed the significance of this journey, stating, "It costs a lot but it’s worth it to see smiles on these kids' faces. I'm sure, even if he doesn’t box in the future, this will inspire him because boxing motivated me to never give up."
As MJ, Rae'Sean, and Kentrell continue to pursue their dreams in boxing, they embody the spirit of resilience and determination. With aspirations of turning professional and even competing in the Olympics, these young athletes are poised to make their mark in the sport. MJ's unwavering passion and dedication serve as a reminder that in boxing, as in life, perseverance is key to achieving greatness.
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