Tyson Fury takes another step on the road to a world heavyweight title shot as he fights Kevin Johnson at Belfast’s Odyssey Arena this Saturday, exclusively live on Channel 5.
Fury remains undefeated in his career to date after claiming his 19th successive victory last time out with a fifth-round stoppage of veteran American Vinny Maddalone in July.
Tough American Johnson will come to Belfast to boost his own world title credentials again as he went the distance with WBC World heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko in 2009, but Fury says he will make his own statement to the world in their 12-round international contest.
Johnson, who goes by the ringname ‘Kingpin’, previously fought for the WBC World title in 2009, and despite suffering the first defeat of his career managed to last the full 12-round distance against Vitali Klitschko.
Despite not fighting anyone of great repute in the intervening years, Saturday’s bout should provide some indication as to whether Fury is ready to face either of the Klitschko brothers in the next 12 months.
“Kevin Johnson is just the kind of opponent that I want at this stage of my career,” said Fury.
“We needed a world class fighter and we have got one and when I take him apart the world will sit up and take notice.
“I’m not going around getting opponents out of graveyards, fighting guys well past their best like some other heavyweights in Britain, I’m taking on Kevin Johnson who has fought for a major world title and been the distance with Vitali Klitschko.
“I am getting closer to a shot at Klitschko myself and I’m going to show Vitali why he has to fight me because when I do a number on Johnson and get him out of there I’ll have done a better job than Vitali did on him.
“I’m really looking forward to fighting again in Belfast, the support I get there is great and to bring such a big fight there is terrific for the fans.”
Fury’s promoter Mick Hennessy says Johnson is going to be the perfect world class test for Fury at this stage of his career.
“Kevin Johnson has been there and done it and he wants another shot at the world title and he sees Tyson as the route to that, that’s why he has taken the fight,” said Hennessy.
“He’s never been stopped and he can punch so Tyson has his work cut out.
“Channel 5 have been very pleased with the viewing figures he has been getting, he has brought big time boxing back to terrestrial TV and he’s taking on men that other top ten fighters just avoid.”
“But I believe that Tyson is the best heavyweight in the world and he’ll show that again with the way he takes care of Johnson.
Also on the night, promising British middlweight talent Chris Eubank Jr is set to feature on the undercard, and will look to extend his unbeaten seven fight run against Matt Hainy.
Mark Pougatch presents Channel 5’s live coverage from ringside at Belfast’s Odyssey Arena, starting at 9pm.
Fight commentary comes from Dave Farrar and Richie Woodall.
Coverage is also available in high-definition on Channel 5 HD.
Following the boxing, Channel 5 presents live coverage of mixed martial arts event for the first time on terrestrial television.
BAMMA 11 comes from the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, featuring the return of Alex ‘The Reidernator’ Reid.
.
