Heavyweight debutant Kurt Johnson from Greenhithe sparred four rounds with rising star Daniel Dubois (4-0) at the Peacock Gym in London in preparation for his pro bow on October 7th.
The Kent boxer mixed it with the highly-touted, unbeaten WBC Youth World heavyweight champion under the watchful eyes of trainer Simon Gildea, Charlie Rumbol and manager Joe Elfidh.
Elfidh, a former pro himself and now head of JE Promotions, said, “Kurt sparred really well and they’ve invited us back to spar again.
“Kurt is going to be one to watch. He is unknown in the boxing world at the moment because he only had one amateur fight but he will be making headlines soon enough, trust me.”
Johnson debuts on October 7th at Mote Park, Maidstone on JE Promotions’ packed ‘Judgement Day’ card.
The heavyweight debutant from Kent added, “To be honest, I was happy just for the opportunity to get in the ring with a future world champion. He’s going to do some big damage in the heavyweights and he looked in great shape.
“It was a good experience for me to gain and will really help me prepare for my forthcoming debut. I’m looking forward to going back there again, I’m learning a lot.”
Dubois, Frank Warren’s 19-year-old heavyweight protégé, has trouble selecting suitable sparring partners after his power has sent many sprawling during sparring sessions, including IBF, IBO and WBA Super World champion Anthony Joshua.
The likeable Londoner remains humble, confirming that he did indeed drop AJ but also stated that he’s the best that he has ever shared the ring with.
Dubois next fights on September 16 for the Southern Area heavyweight title against Londoner AJ Carter (8-3) on the undercard of Billy Joe Saunders’ WBO World middleweight title defence to Willie Munroe Jr at the Copper Box Arena in London.
Johnson, who fights three weeks later, previously competed professionally in MMA, Thai-boxing and K-1, experiencing just one amateur boxing fight in the ABA Novices, which he won on points.
The 30-year-old impressed Joe Elfidh unexpectedly during a training session recently and the promoter immediately rushed to sign contracts with the heavyweight talent after what he witnessed.
The full-time Firefighter is trained by Simon Gildea and Charlie Rumbol at Kent Gloves gym in Gillingham.
The heavyweight talent grew up in Forest Hill in South East London and has competed in a variety of combat sports.
He elaborated on his fighting background, “I first started in martial arts as a kid, I won national tournaments in taekwondo then started in MMA in my late teens, competed in grappling and won gold medals in that, had three semi-pro fights in MMA in my 20’s and won all three, I also did a pro one, which I won.
“Then I moved onto Thai-boxing and went in the Ringmasters tournament and won my fight with a first round TKO then I had to pull out with injury.
“I went pro in K-1 and beat a couple of good guys in that, then I entered a Strongman competition and won the Novices.
“I’ve always done boxing but, rather than coming from the traditional amateurs, I come from having a bit of diversity and it helps to add to your overall game. Even doing the strongman adds to your game.”
He concluded, “I'm backed by sponsors, The Healthy Meal Prep Kitchen, helping me to get in great shape and the meals taste amazing, trust me! Also, JMF Coaching and QSN Supplements.”
For tickets to Kurt Johnson’s debut on October 7th please call 07951 456 457
To follow Kurt on Twitter visit @KurtJohnson__
To follow Kurt on Instagram vist @kurtjohnson_