Regarding the current climate in the U.S. and possibly worldwide, mental health is discussed more often than not, which is a positive change considering it was largely ignored for decades. Lightweight prospect Jonny Mansour (5-0, 2 KOs), who has faced his own mental health challenges this year, will be co-headlining an event hosted by Championing Mental Health (CMH) and Bash Boxing on Saturday, December 13, live on pay-per-view (PPV).
The 25-year-old Mansour from San Diego, CA, turned pro in May 2024 and was fresh off an amateur stint with USA Boxing, eager to make his mark in the sport. After three wins last year, Mansour entered 2025 feeling confident as his career began to take off. However, the start of the year was tough for Mansour when it was revealed that his mother was battling cancer. Mansour did his best to stay focused, scoring a first-round knockout on March 22. Unfortunately, two days later, his mother passed away. It was hard for Mansour’s mental health to stay strong, especially since his mother, who meant everything to him, is no longer here.
“It’s definitely difficult,” Mansour told FightsATW. “There were times when I wanted to let go of everything. It becomes very dark. You enter this dark stage and feel like life, you won’t ever be the same. My mother was everything. She was the strongest, caring, and most beautiful woman in the world, and to have that as a part of my life was a blessing. We all have our times, and tomorrow is not promised for any of us.”
Mansour continued, “I can see where people can take the wrong turns in life, as I myself almost did. I had a lot of people messaging me and saying, ‘I lost a loved one, and you inspire me the way you’ve handled it, so keep going and please don’t give up because I’m looking up to you and going through the same thing.’
“Seeing these messages and the love and support that I’ve been getting from family, friends, and on social media, it’s been amazing to see. I’m not the only one, and I can’t be selfish and act in such a way when she’s watching. I truly feel that she is still here in spirit, and it’s my job to make her proud and continue doing what always put a smile on her face, to her very last moment in life.”
This is why it makes sense for Mansour to be on this card. CMH is hosting the event and aims to raise mental health awareness through boxing. In the press release by BZA PR, it states, “As part of the organization’s mission to inspire positive change, $1 from every pay-per-view purchase will be donated to Championing Mental Health, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit promoting mental wellness and awareness through sport and entertainment.” Mansour strongly supports the event and believes that fans should back it because of its significance to the world.
“This next fight is under a different promoter: Championing Mental Health (CMH),” said Mansour. “It’s a platform that gives fighters an avenue to express their story and show the world that we aren’t these big, strong fighters that you think we are. We go through things mentally as well, but we just put a smile on our face, continue to push forward, work hard, and chase our dreams. This is life. It’s temporary and we aren’t here forever. Fighting on a platform like this, you aren’t coming to show to just watch boxing, you are coming to witness what people go through and still continue to fight and stand strong.”
On Saturday, Mansour will face Marc Antonio Juarez Rodriguez (12-9-3, 5 KOs) as the co-main event and aims to close out the year strongly. As the fight approaches, he focuses not just on his confidence but more on the way he secures his victory. Mansour understands that boxing is a business, and showmanship can make the difference between staying at a certain level or being featured on a major card.
“Coming out victorious is never a thought,” said Mansour. “It’s about how I come out victorious and how I win; what style, what fashion. I’ve been working really hard, and all the hard work is done throughout the camp. When it’s time to fight, it’s easy work. It’s time to have fun and let my hands go.”
While Mansour aims for a big win in front of family and friends, he says his mother will be watching too. How far Mansour goes as a pro remains unknown, but for now, he wants to show that his resilience can inspire others to push through their own struggles. All that’s left is for Mansour to perform this Saturday night, live on PPV.
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