12.11.03 – By Ike Enwereuzor: www.Jacboxing.com – WBC top rated heavyweight contender Kirk “Bubba” Johnson of Nova Scotia, Canada now (34-1-1) with 25 Knockouts is expected to meet former WBO Heavyweight champion Vitali “Dr. Ironfist” Klitschko of (32-2) 31KO’s on Saturday night December 6, at Madison Square Garden, New York City for the WBC eliminator winner emerging as the mandatory challenger to Heavyweight World Champion Lennox Lewis.
This event will be promoted by Duva Boxing in conjunction with Universum Promotions. Kirk Johnson was at the Grand central Oyster Bar, New York City, on Wednesday, November 12, to promote this card billed “Heavyweight collision at the Mecca”.The co-main event will feature two heavyweights from New York Monte Barrett and Joe “Baby” Mesi. Here’s what the WBC No.9 heavyweight contender had to say about his training and upcoming battle with Dr. Ironfist……
How is your training for the upcoming fight with Klitschko coming along?
Training is going good. I have have been preparing for this fight for about 8 weeks now.
Where’s your training camp for this fight?
We’re training in Fort Worth, Texas. Everything is looking good.
What is it like training with Curtis Coke?
He’s a great trainer. It’s good when you have the right people on your side. I learn a lot from him and all is going well.
Lets talk a little about your amateur career for a minute. When did you start your amateur Boxing career?
I started it in Canada when I was 10 year old after watching Ray Leonard beat Tommy Hearns.
What was your amateur career record?
My record was 76 wins and 7 losses.
What are the titles you won as an amateur?
I won six (6) Canadian titles, then won amateur world championship and the Junior Olympics. I won my fight in Miami, which gave me the opportunity to represent my Country in Olympics 1992.
What was the Olympics like?
It was a great experience for me. I lost to David Izon in quarter finals then Izon beat David Tua to win the silver medal.
What do you remember about your first professional fight?
I was so nervous but once I got into the ring I was relaxed and I won the fight.
Tell us about your fight with Ross Puritty?
I beat him by 6 rounds unanimous decision.
What’s your impression of Vitali Klitschko?
He’s a good fighter. He was beating Lennox Lewis until the cut. He is the man to beat, and we’re getting ready for him. I was suppose to fight Lewis but he fought him. I think God’s time is the best. This is my time now.
What do you want to tell your fans out there?
This is my time and I’m on mission to become the next heavyweight champion of the world.
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