In around 48 hours time, the Heavyweight division’s ‘Greatest Loser’ will be taking on Britain’s juggernaut Anthony Joshua.
That man is US fighter Kevin Johnson, who has lost four of his last five bouts, but is yet to be stopped. Never in great shape or the winner – certainly in fights against marquee names – it’s baffling why Johnson hasn’t enjoyed greater success in the ring.
It seems like he has the tools, clearly a good boxing brain, but just doesn’t take his work too seriously. Johnson, 36, showed promise in bouts with Tyson Fury and Dereck Chisora, but didn’t pull the trigger nearly enough.
Most famously, Johnson (29-6-1, 14 KO) went the full distance with Vitali Klitschko in 2009 – quite a feat for any modern day Heavyweight.
But in a recent press release issued by Matchroom Boxing, Johnson said his preparations have changed for the Joshua fight, and that an upset is looming. Could we be about to see a changed fighter in the man known as ‘Kingpin’? Or even an upset for 26-year-old Joshua (12-0, 12 KO)?
“[Joshua] is a media hype job and let me tell you this, once this dude is out the way I’m going to show you that the future of the Heavyweight division is right here,” Johnson said.
“For Vitali I was 60 per cent, this I’m 100 per cent so I don’t know what else to say. I’m really afraid of myself to be at this point right here, I’m going to be explosive.”
It’s hard to see an upset here. Really, it is. But for UK boxing fans purchasing the Sky Sports Box Office card, we hope Johnson has a good crack at getting the job done. Even if that just means going a few more rounds than is expected.
If he’s able to go the distance, or even close to it, you can bet Johnson will be welcomed back to UK shores for future fights, perhaps by Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn.
Joshua vs Johnson is set to feature on the Brook vs Gavin card – a stacked British feast of action for Sky subscribers. With Khan vs Algieri taking place stateside, this is certainly a boxing-filled weekend for fight fans.
What are your thoughts on Joshua vs Johnson? Could ‘Kingpin’ be the first man to go beyond 3 rounds with the Olympic Gold Medalist? Get talking in the comments, readers!
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