By James Slater: Michael Grant, the huge one-time heavyweight title challenger, scored an impressive-looking one-punch KO over the equally big Tye Fields this past Friday, and the win got the attention of some people. One fellow fighter who saw Grant’s 3rd-round KO is Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson. The once-beaten contender wasted no time at all in calling out Grant, suggesting via his website that Grant’s people should send him the contract; which he insists he is ready willing and able to sign immediately.
Now, Johnson, who has won a couple since his disappointing showing against WBC heavyweight boss Vitali Klitschko, has been calling out quite a few fighters recently – Britain’s unbeaten hope Tyson Fury most recently – but a fight between he and Grant would make sense. The potential match-up, if it happens, would also attract a decent amount of fan attention and interest. Grant, despite his failings, sure can bang. Johnson, despite his failings, sure can box. A nice little boxer Vs. puncher match-up would possibly take place as a result.
Johnson, still only 31-years-of-age and sporting a good-looking 24-1-1(10) pro record, is down on Boxrec as fighting again on June 11th, against a TBA. Maybe Grant, a fair deal older at age 38, and sporting a good 47-4(35) ledger, will feel ready to fight again in a little under three month’s time? If a Grant-Johnson clash did happen, and as long as it was not on Pay-Per-View, as Grant-Fields was, it would be something worth tuning in for – maybe ESPN will express interest in the fight if it’s made.
Would Johnson, fearful of Grant’s huge right hand, go into the shell he went into against “Dr. Iron Fist,” or would he come out in a more aggressive manner, looking to exploit the heavier, taller man’s none too reliable chin? Would Grant go one better than the current WBC champion and become the first man to flatten Johnson? What would a win mean for the victor?
Johnson still believes he can become heavyweight champion; Grant is also hoping for another shot. If the two U.S big men do fight in June, the winner will not have earned a shot, but he will not have hurt his cause any either – especially if he wins in impressive, eye-catching style.
Face it, there are a lot worse heavyweight match-ups being made these days. Let’s see if Grant responds to Johnson’s challenge.