Interview with Callum “The One” Johnson

In an 18-month period framed by the sadness that comes with deep personal loss, Callum “The One” Johnson has emerged a champion.

In trying circumstances following the sudden passing of his father, the Boston, Lincolnshire boxer paid his father dad the ultimate tribute.

Callum “The One” Johnson upset the odds and his doubters with a first-round stoppage of British light-heavyweight champion Frank Buglioni at the 02 Arena in London back in March. Callum added the British title alongside his Commonwealth title.

I sat down with Callum and asked him how the last 18-months has been:

“It was great feeling just proving all the doubters wrong and proving that I’m well above that kind of level and most of all fulfilling a promise I made to my dad. It has been a tough road since winning the Commonwealth title. Having to come to terms with the loss of my dad and then picking up two or three injuries keeping me sidelined for 18 months. But I only focus on the future now and I am ready for what comes”.

Callum said he owes a lot to trainer Joe Gallagher: “Joe has made me a top class professional fighter and deserves a lot of credit for sticking by me through the tough times and making me a problem for all light-heavyweights in Europe and beyond. I know Joe sometimes gets bad press, but Winners get haters its that simple, anyone who knows Joe on a personal level knows how much work he puts in for his fighters inside and outside of the ring”.

The 175-pound division is bubbling nicely in the UK, with Anthony Yarde, Liam Conroy and Joshua Buatsi all on the fringe of challenging Callum for his British and Commonwealth titles.

Callum is looking further ahead and looks to be next in line for a shot at Russian IBF World Champion Artur Beterbiev (12-0,12Ko)

“Terms haven’t been signed yet but it’s in the process. I plan on being the best I can be and I believe that will be enough to have a great chance in the fight and causing a massive upset. I know how tough a task it is but I’m up for the challenge.