Brook v Gavin: Anthony Joshua is going in with Kevin Johnson, so who is he?
Opposite corner: Kevin Johnson
Tuesday 26 May 2015 14:52, UK
We take a closer look at Kevin Johnson, who will attempt to wreck Anthony Joshua's unbeaten record live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Where does he come from?
Johnson was born in New Jersey and built up a winning record on a tour around America, before venturing abroad for a title shot at WBC king Vitali Klitschko.
How long has been fighting?
The 35-year-old made his professional debut back in 2003 and has racked up 36 fights ahead of this month’s clash with Joshua. He hasn't been stopped, but he isn't the bigges punder either (29-6-1-KO14).
What did he do before turning professional?
He worked for an estate agent to raise funds for his amateur career.
Have we seen him before in Britain?
Yes, Johnson is a well known face on these shores. He firstly entered the Prizefighter International heavyweight tournament in 2012, losing to Tor Hamer in the final. Johnson returned for fights against domestic duo Tyson Fury and Dereck Chisora and suffered points defeats on both occasions.
He turned up to AJ's last fight wearing sunglasses and talking smack...
Johnson is a well known trash talker and has offered a brash prediction. “Anthony is so big that the KO is going to look so good," he said. He went head-to-head with Joshua in Birmingham earlier this month.
Is that typical of Johnson?
Yes. His pre-fight press conference with Tyson Fury in 2012 included some colourful language. Regarding Chisora, he said: "I’ve been stopped once in my life and that was by my momma and ever since then nobody’s put me down."
Will he be a soft touch for Joshua?
His record suggests not. Johnson has never been stopped by an opponent and he extended Vitali Klitschko in a 12-round points defeat when the Ukrainian was halting every challenger in his path.
What can we expect when the first bell sounds?
The wily veteran possesses excellent defensive skills and cleverly weaves away from punches or uses his arms to shield shots. He still packs enough power to dissuade over-eager opponents, but can be outworked if a fighter can pin down this slippery foe.
Is he going to spring a big surprise?
His current form does not bode well for him, with three defeats in his last four fights. But 'The Kingpin' could be the first man to test Joshua’s chin and stamina if he survives the expected early onslaught.
So will we hear from him before the first bell?
Probably! He has already been making some noise and is a good talker. He is on Twitter but Tweets less than he knocks people out! @kingpinkj
Watch Joshua v Johnson live and exclusive as part of Brook v Gavin, on Sky Sports Box Office on May 30, with Mitchell and Selby also on. Book via your phone or online now. If you want to record the event, book via your Sky remote.skysports.com/brookgavin
