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Kevin “The Great American Hope” Johnson Puts the Heavyweight Division on Notice

posted by Kathleen Holland on August 6, 2007, in News

Courtesy of Star Boxing

August 6, 2007 (New York) – This past Friday on ShoBox: The New Generation, the STILL undefeated Kevin Johnson (16-0-1, 6 KOs) earned the moniker “The Great American Hope” by dismantling contender Damian “Bolo” Wills (22-2-1, 16 KO’s) in what has to be the most dominating performance displayed by any young American Heavyweight prospect.

From the opening bell, Wills came out attacking with ferocity pushing Johnson back to the ropes with the hopes of taking away Johnson’s key weapon—the jab. What happened afterwards had everyone in attendance doing “oohs and ahhs”. Johnson unleashed a jaw dropping arsenal of punches including uppercuts, left hooks, and straight rights—every punch delivered with precision accuracy to Wills face.

“Bolo said in his Showtime production meeting that all I have is a jab, and he was going to take it away from me” Johnson said with a smile. “Ask him how it worked out for him.”

Johnson continued to dominate the action and toyed with Wills through all 10-rounds. Johnson showed real bravado during some of the exchanges by turning to talk to the ring card girls and even smiling for the cameras “I’ve had tougher sparring session than that fight, easy work” says Johnson. “I took him to school,” Johnson continued, “Bolo is a good fighter, but fighters don't beat boxers.”

After the fight, SHOWTIME analyst Steve Farhood stated "He [Johnson] showed some good combinations. He is a very exciting and entertaining fighter to watch."

“Johnson has positioned himself as America’s best hope to reclaim the title” said Star Boxing CEO Joe DeGuardia. “He’s put the Heavyweight division on notice. With his combination of pure boxing skills and speed I can’t see anybody beating him.”

What’s next for Johnson? “I want to get back in the ring ASAP” says Johnson. “I will leave it up to Joe DeGuardia to do what he does best and that's make great fights.”

Fans are already clamoring to see Johnson fight Samuel Peter, Sultan Ibragimov, and after Friday’s performance a date with Wladimir Klitschko seems inevitable. But Johnson still has his mind focused on doing some house cleaning. “I want to fight all the bums in my division who say they are top dogs” exclaimed the "Kingpin". “My speed, jab and talent can't compare to anyone, I am the complete package. The division is full of wannabe's right now, and I’m here to clear them out”

On the undercard, Eric “The Outlaw” Hunter (8-1, 3KO’s)showed the quickness and guile of a fighter way beyond his years en-route to winning a unanimous decision over Tyrell Samuel (9-2, 5KO’s) in a spirited 8-round clash.

Watching the fight you might think Hunter is psychic. Anytime Samuel thought of a punch, he was met with two-three counters. Hunter also showed the fans the blinding speed that bedeviled Pasquel Rousse and Vineash Rungea in his last two fights. “I fought a guy who was bigger than me but it didn't make a difference” said Hunter. “I stuck to my game plan and beat him. I would like to get right back in the ring.”

“Hunter is quickly making the transition from prospect to contender” says Joe DeGuardia. “He has all the makings of a top prospect.”

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