Callum Johnson: I can shock the world against Beterbiev

Callum Johnson is set to face IBF light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev this Saturday in Chicago, streaming live on DAZN, and the British underdog says he’s not bothered by the odds, and thinks it’ll be a fan friendly fight either way.

From Sky:

“I’m not deluded, I know what a tough ask it is and I know what I am up against. But, at the same time, I am not bothered. I fancy that I can shock the world. I honestly believe on my day, if I can produce the best I can produce, I’ve got a great chance. We’ve seen it before. You all know I carry the power to knock anyone out and I’ve got good skills as well, and I was a top amateur myself. I think this is the fight where people will see what I can do. Win, lose or draw, people are going to see a great fight.”

Johnson (17-0, 12 KO) is unbeaten thus far as a pro and has won both the British and Commonwealth titles, but the 33-year-old has never faced anyone like Beterbiev (12-0, 12 KO), a fighter who has stopped everyone he’s faced thus far. Going from Willbeforce Shihepo and Frank Buglioni to Beterbiev is a big step up, to put it lightly.

But Johnson has the confidence of an unbeaten man, and Beterbiev, also 33, hasn’t fought since last November, and has fought just the one time since 2016. If Johnson can find a rhythm early, it could turn into a very interesting fight, and I think he’s right that it’ll be a fan friendly one, no matter how it turns out.