Kevin Johnson, Mike Perez, Martin Rogan, Konstantin Airich, Richel Hersisia Confirmed For International “Prizefighter” On May 7th

By James Slater: Though promoter Eddie Hearn has still to announce three more “big names” that will take part in “Prizefighter: The International Heavyweights,” five names have today been confirmed as taking part in the one-night, eight-men tournament in May.

Last week, Hearn promised a mix of heavyweight names – including “at least one former world champion” – and today’s announcement proved to be an interesting one. The big news is the fact that once-beaten, ranked U.S heavyweight contender Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson will be taking the trip to London on May 7th. Also quite unexpected is the fact that Belfast’s Martin Rogan – who made his name by winning “Prizefighter” a couple of years ago – will be back for more in May.

The three other confirmed names are: Ireland-based unbeaten Cuban Mike Perez, German-based Kazakhstan contender Konstantin Airich and “Dutch Sonny Liston,” Richel Hersisia.

Hearn says the three remaining names (the subject of which continues to inspire all manner of rumours; with Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman, Vinny Maddalone and many other fighters being suggested as being involved) will be announced soon.

“The late night phone calls continue around the world,” Hearn said on the subject of who the three remaining fighters might be. “We already have over a dozen fighters in contention for the three remaining spots.”

For now, the tournament has some shape to it and the five men involved range from young to not so young, from contender level to up-and-comer.

Perez, at age 25, is the youngest fighter confirmed so far. He is also the only unbeaten fighter to have been confirmed, 13-0(10). The fighter known as “The Rebel” is also a southpaw. Former “Prizefighter” winner Rogan, at age 39, is the oldest man to have signed up for the tourney and, with his all-round experience and the fact he has already picked up the trophy, he has to be looked at as one of the favourites to win (for now at least, unless the remaining three fighters turn out to be David Tua, James Toney and Sam Sexton: all three names also being mentioned in various places as possibilities).

Both Hersisia and Airich can bang some, so neither guy should be written off. As for Johnson, though – will his smooth boxing style suit the tournament? Will the man, who we all know possesses a fine left jab, be aggressive enough to be able to win?

Hearn promised an eclectic mix, and that’s what he’s given us already. But who will those other three fighters be? And which former world champion will be announced?