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© Lawrence Lustig
Kevin ‘Kingpin’ Johnson believes he will knockout all three opponents on his way to victory in tomorrow night’s Prizefighter International Heavyweights at York Hall, Bethnal Green live on Sky Sports HD1 from 9pm.
Punters have been backing Kingpin with tournament sponsors Betfair and the man who took Vitali Klitschko the distance when he challenged the WBC belt is gunning for title shot number two. The 32 year old believes he will claim victory in the 25th edition of Matchroom Sport’s eight man, one night blockbusters and that he will floor all three opponents on the way to glory.
“There’s no pressure on me as the favourite, it just makes me look extra good – I should be the favourite because I’m the best here,” said Johnson. “I believe I will turn that into a victory on the night and that I will knock out all three of my opponents on the way – and after that, I’m coming back to beat everyone, all the big names.
“No matter what I’m definitely going to be Heavyweight Champion of the World and this will solidify that shot and I’ll get it quicker than a lot of other people who deserve it less. I’m here now because I’ve been avoided in the US but after winning this, I will be the man in control.”
Johnson faces Moroccan Noureddine Meddoune in the second quarter-final after Pole Albert Sosnowski – who fought Vitali Klitschko for the WBC belt after Johnson – kicks off the night against American Maurice Harris.
The third quarter-final pits New Yorker Tor Hamer against Brazil’s Marcelo Luiz Nascimento and they will face the winner of the all-England fourth quarter-final between Tom Dallas and Tom Little.
Quarter-final line up with weights
Quarter-final 1: Albert Sosnowski 15st 13 ½lb v Maurice Harris 17st 3 ½lb
Quarter-final 2: Noureddine Meddoune 17st 7 ¼lb v Kevin Johnson 17st 5lb
Quarter-final 3: Tor Hamer 16st 3 ½lb v Marcelo Luiz Nascimento 16st 3lb
Quarter-final 4: Tom Dallas 16st 9 ½lb v Tom Little 18st 8lb
Tickets for the Betfair Prizefighter International Heavyweights at York Hall, Bethnal Green on Wednesday June 20 are on sale now priced £40 (unreserved). Tickets are available from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900 and at www.matchroomboxing.com
Ringside and VIP tickets have sold out.
