Johnathon Banks

Johnathon Maurice Banks (born June 22, 1982) is an American professional boxer and former IBO cruiserweight champion. He currently works as a boxing trainer, most notably for former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, and was himself trained by the late Emanuel Steward.

Early life

Banks started playing the piano in middle school, but boxing soon took over and dominated that desire. He was told by his maternal Grandfather at the age of two weeks that he would be a great boxer one day.

Amateur career

Prior to turning professional, Banks enjoyed a successful amateur career that saw him become a three-time National Amateur Champion at 178 lbs.

Professional career

He fights out of the Kronk Gym in Detroit.

Banks became the current NABO Cruiserweight Champion after his last fight, knocking out Eliseo Castillo in the fourth round.

After victory's over Derrick Brown (13-3-3) and Imamu Mayfield (25-8-2) Banks lined himself up for a title clash for the IBO Cruiserweight title.

IBO Cruiserweight Championship

On July 12 Banks fought Vincenzo Rossitto for the vacant IBO Cruiserweight Championship, Johnathon won by a Majority decision.

IBF Cruiserweight Championship

He then fought Tomasz Adamek for the IBF Cruiserweight Championship title on February 27 in Newark, NJ at the Prudential Center. Banks was unsuccessful and was knocked out in the eighth round.

WBC Heavweight Semi-Final Eliminator

Banks was set to fight undefeated prospect Seth Mitchell on November 17, 2012 in Atlantic City. He defeated Seth Mitchell by a second-round knockout. In a 2013 rematch, however, Banks dropped a unanimous decision to Mitchell.

Work as a trainer

After the passing of Emmanuel Steward, Banks assumed the role of head trainer of heavyweight world champion Wladimir Klitschko.

In July 2015 Jonathon Banks replaced Chris Okoh as Dillian Whyte's trainer after the latter got injured.

Professional boxing record