by James Slater – Unbeaten 28-year-old heavyweight prospect Kevin “King Pin” Johnson of Atlanta, Georgia is a fighter beginning to make a little noise in the division. Blessed with an excellent left jab, an impressive physique and good overall conditioning, the 6’3″ and approx 240-pound big guy appears to have the tools to go somewhere..
However, one look down the 19-0-1(6) fighter’s record let’s you know Johnson has two obvious things lacking in on his résumé; punching power and a win over a name opponent. Not having stopped an opponent since March of 2007, and only five other guys in total before that, it seems not too much can be done about Johnson’s lack of pop. Some fighters can bang, others cannot. The 28-year-old gets his wins thanks to his jab and his boxing skill. But Johnson could, and should, be stepping up in class some time soon so as to put right his second shortcoming.
Well, this coming September 5th at Bally’s in Atlantic City, Johnson will climb into the ring with a very familiar name. Whether or not that name will signify a test is something that is questionable. However, in facing former WBA champion Bruce “The Atlantic City Express” Seldon, Johnson will at least be squaring off with a heavyweight the fans know. Now aged 41 and having won all three of his latest comeback fights, Seldon remains to this day a fighter best known for his poor showing against Mike Tyson way back in September of 1996.
Enough has been written about that debacle without the need to go into it again here, but the Tyson farce aside, Seldon was a decent fighter. As with Johnson, his best punch being his left jab, Bruce managed wins over the likes of Greg Page, Tony Tucker and the gutsy Joe Hipp. But those wins were a long time ago, and even though the former champ has won his last three, we don’t know what he has left at his current age. With a good overall record of 38-6(34) Seldon MAY test Johnson, or he may prove to be relatively easy pickings for him.
The bout is at least a little intriguing, it has to be said. No, it’s no potential barnburner, by any means, but at the same time you wouldn’t bet your house on a win one way or the other, would you? Fans want to see how good Kevin Johnson actually is. In taking a fight with Seldon, the man who calls himself “King Pin” has taken at least a baby step towards being able to show them.
Look for Johnson to win, once again, on points. A KO win, though far from a big statement (after all, the recently exposed Tye Fields got rid of Seldon in just 2 rounds three years ago), would be slightly more impressive.