Johnson eyeing match with Smith

Light Heavyweight contender Callum Johnson is interested in taking on Joe Smith Jr. in a report first mentioned by Boxing Scene.

Johnson (18-1, 13 KOs) has been on the rebound since his lost to Artur Beterbiev last October. In March, he flew to the United States and stopped Sean Monaghan in three rounds in Verona, New York which honestly should’ve been halted in two. The main event of the same night, Smith lost a majority decision to WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol.

Johnson has been advised that his promoter, Eddie Hearn, will try to get him in the ring with Smith on a date either in July or August.

“There’s talk that my next fight will be out in New York again,” Johnson told Boxing News. “Eddie (Hearn, promoter) was saying he’s going to try and make the Joe Smith Jr. fight for the back end of July or August time. I think that will be at Madison Square Garden.

“I remember as a kid watching big events at Madison Square Garden. Not just boxing, but big WrestleMania events and stuff like that. To think I’ll be going there to compete in my chosen sport is a dream come true.”

Johnson believes the notion of taking on Smith would be an exciting fight.

“He’s a good fighter,” said Johnson. “He’s tough, he’s solid, he’s proven himself at world level. Obviously, he lost his last fight, but it’s still an interesting fight for the fans. We can both punch and we both come to fight.

“It’s one of those fights where I just feel I’m better than him in most departments. I’m faster and I think I’ve got better feet. I just feel I do everything better than he does. At the same time, I’ll have to be on my game to win that fight.”

Johnson may be onto something here. While Smith (24-3,20 KOs) was beaten by Dimtry Bivol in March, Smith would be a good test for Johnson who is known for beating future Hall of Famer Benard Hopkins in his last match in 20016. If the date is set for July and at Madison Square Garden, it would be on a night of fights headlined by fellow Matchroom boxer Anthony Joshua as he takes on Jarrell Miller.