Kevin Johnson Vs. David Haye – A Fight That Makes Perfect Sense

by James Slater – It has been reported in The Southwark News that the treatment David Haye needed on the injured back that forced him out of this Saturday’s IBF and WBO heavyweight title fight with Wladimir Klitschko has, “gone to plan,” and that he will, “resume full training in two weeks’ time.” This is the word direct from “The Hayemaker’s” trainer and manager, Adam Booth. Booth also said that he and his fighter, “need to take the next couple of days to clear our heads and see where we go from there.”

With Haye seemingly out of the Klitschko picture for the next few months at least (although there does remain a slight hope on the former cruiserweight champ’s part that a fight with Vitali can be made this year) it looks like it’s time the 28-year-old started looking around for his next opponent.. Unless he is content to remain inactive – and it’s now seven months and counting since Haye’s last fight – the exciting heavyweight contender needs to get in the ring soon; preferably against a credible and recognisable name.

One man who I think fits the bill perfectly is unbeaten 29-year-old, Kevin “King Pin” Johnson. As far back as the lead up to his fight against Monte Barrett, Haye has been called out by Johnson. Now, with both guys still hoping for a world title shot, Johnson and Haye need to keep themselves sharp and they need to earn this shot at a world title in the eyes of the fans. Johnson has been making steady progress, with his last three wins – over Bruce Seldon, Matthew Greer and Devin Vargas; all of them coming via stoppage – being his most impressive.

Haye, of course, has had just two fights as a heavyweight, yet he has managed to make himself a big enough name to the point where guys like Johnson want to fight him, knowing as they do that a win would make them some noise. Haye should grant his 22-0-1(9) rival his wish of getting him into the ring. Let’s face it, if this fight were made it wouldn’t exactly be a reach or a step too far for either fighter. Both men are primed and peaking wannabe heavyweight champions, and as such both fighters should think they can defeat the other.

Johnson last fought in May, and he will need a next opponent pretty soon. While Haye, once he’s back up to speed training-wise, needs to get back in the ring and see himself tested again as soon as possible. I’m pretty sure “King Pin” would answer the call if “The Hayemaker” sought to make the fight, but will Haye look in the unbeaten hope’s direction?

If not, and unless he does remain idle, who else would offer Haye such creditable and easily available opposition? This fight can be made, if Haye wants it. Look at the rest of the top-ten or so, and all the other recognisable names are either busy this year or have plans in the working – the Eddie Chambers’ and the Alexander Dimitrenkos are either fighting each other or they are in line to fight someone else. The easiest quality fight Haye could get for himself – one that would get genuine fan attention – would be one against Johnson.

The winner would be looked at as a fighter who has at least tried his best to earn his title shot, and the victor could then aim to get either Wladimir, Vitali or, should he win on Saturday, Ruslan Chagaev in the ring next year.

Both Haye and Johnson need to pass a big test before they go into a world title fight with the fans’ belief that they can win. How about them testing each other this summer?