In a captivating story of resilience, versatility, and excellence, James Lamont Dunn has evolved from a dedicated athlete into a global influencer, touching lives across the fields of sports, fashion, pageantry, and community service. Born on September 14, 1978, in the USA, Dunn’s journey reflects his relentless drive to excel and inspire. We caught up with him to delve into the path that has made him an influential figure worldwide.

Q: James, your early years were deeply rooted in sports. Can you tell us about your beginnings?

Dunn: Growing up in Roanoke, Virginia, sports were my life from an early age. I was involved in football, track and field, and baseball, and each sport taught me something unique. Football taught me teamwork, track instilled discipline, and baseball gave me the patience to strategize. These experiences became the foundation for everything I pursued afterward, teaching me a competitive spirit that I carry with me to this day.

Q: You later transitioned into boxing and martial arts. What motivated this shift?

Dunn: Boxing was actually a family tradition. My father, uncles, and cousins were all boxers, so I was naturally drawn to it. When I got into boxing and Krav Maga, it was more than just about physical fitness—it was about building mental resilience and strategic thinking. Boxing, especially, gave me the drive and mental toughness that have been invaluable in all my pursuits.

Q: You didn’t just stay in the ring; you went on to promote boxing. How did that come about?

Dunn: The transition from being an athlete to a boxing promoter felt natural to me. My understanding of the sport, coupled with my passion, made it a great fit. In November 2019, I was nominated by a former union to take on the role of North Carolina State Chairman, and by early 2020, I was honored to become the Vice President of Talent Support and later Committee Secretary for the World General Council of Boxing (WGCofB). Even with challenges—like the dissolution of the union due to negative ownership—I kept going, focusing on my own promotions. It was all about resilience and keeping the vision alive.

Q: Alongside sports, you’ve made strides in modeling and acting. How did this part of your career evolve?

Dunn: Modelling and acting came as a bit of a surprise, but I embraced it wholeheartedly. I was honored to earn titles like Classic Mister WOW USA 2021 and Best Model of the Year USA 2021 at the Flame International Fashion and Art Festival in London. Modeling for Sarastar Holdings was also an incredible experience. Acting was a natural extension—I even voiced the character Nate in a UK animated film, which was a fun and fulfilling project. I think these ventures helped me connect with diverse audiences and showcase a different side of myself.

Q: You’re also committed to community service. Can you talk about your work with Hughes 111 Enterprise LLC and the Michael Jackson Redemption Movie Film?

Dunn: Absolutely. As an executive board member of Hughes 111 Enterprise LLC, I played a key role in the Michael Jackson Redemption Movie Film project, which is based on CEO Geraldine Hughes’ book, Redemption. The goal was to reveal the truth behind the Michael Jackson molestation case and help reshape the narrative surrounding his legacy. Projects like this allow me to use my platform for positive change, which is something I’m very passionate about.

Q: What’s next for you, and what vision do you hold for the future?

Dunn: I see myself continuing to grow in the boxing world, furthering my modeling and acting careers, and staying deeply involved in community service. My goal is not just personal success but making a meaningful impact, especially on young people. I want to show that, with hard work and resilience, anyone can overcome obstacles and reach their dreams.

Q: What message do you hope your journey conveys to others?

Dunn: I hope my journey shows that success isn’t a straight line—it’s filled with ups, downs, and a lot of learning along the way. Resilience, adaptability, and continuous growth have been my guiding principles. If my story can inspire even one person to pursue their passions, then I’ve accomplished something worthwhile.

James Lamont Dunn’s evolution from an athlete to a global influencer is a testament to resilience, versatility, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His journey across sports, fashion, pageantry, and community service reflects a powerful message: with passion, resilience, and a commitment to excellence, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our dreams.