After joining forces with Frank Warren earlier this year, former light heavyweight title challenger Callum Johnson is officially set to end a two-year layoff against Bosnia’s Emil Markic on Queensberry’s April 24th Denzel Bentley-Felix Cash card.
Johnson (18-1, 13 KO) has struggled badly with inactivity this last half-decade, managing just three fights since 2016. In his defense, they were pretty good fights; he demolished Frank Buglioni in half a round, put Artur Beterbiev on the canvas before succumbing to the Russian’s heinous power, and retired Seanie Monaghan in his most recent effort.
Markic (32-2, 24 KO) definitely figures to be an easier out than those three. The 37-year-old has largely fed on substandard opposition on the Euro scene, and his two steps up saw him stopped in four by Shefat Isufi and Umar Salamov.
In his mid-30s but relatively short on mileage, Johnson has made his targets clear: Lyndon Arthur, Anthony Yarde, and a world title.
The former British and Commonwealth champion said: “I have been out for two years, but I am not bothered what level I come back at. I am a fighter at the end of the day.
“There is pressure after two years out. I just hope I remember to do it right when I get back in there. I’m sure I will.”
“I think Lyndon and Anthony are good fighters, but I believe I am the best in the country and would beat anybody.
“Do I believe I will beat them two? One million per-cent.
“Are they good fighters? Of course they are. It’s good that there are a few good fighters in our division that makes it so exciting.
“We can all fight each other. It can be like the UFC where a few fighters can fight each other and a loss doesn’t matter.
“You can get back a few months later and fight another guy so it’s exciting and something fans will like.”
Callum said: “People will see I have been out for a while, but I haven’t been off the scene. I have been in the gym, sparring, stayed fit and healthy.
“Until the night we won’t know, but I am not expecting to show much ring rust and to do a job on Markic.”