The British Boxing Board of Control has refused to sanction Tyson Fury’s bout with veteran South African heavyweight Francois Botha.
Their decision was based on the fact the 42-year-old looked in poor physical condition against Evander Holyfield last April, when a right hook sent him down and forced the referee to stop the contest in the eighth round.
Fury, who hails from Manchester, now has a number of potential opponents for the February 19th date at Wembley, in which he will look to improve on his 13-0 record.
And ‘Kingpin’ Kevin Johnson has announced his desire to make the date with the British champion, who has been described as the future of the heavyweight division.
A statement from the American read: “Now that the BBBC has rejected Francois Botha as an opponent for you, I want to be the first to offer myself as an opponent for you. I’ve been hearing a lot of noise coming out of the UK about how tough you are how you are the future of boxing. So I say step up and prove yourself like a man. I can come to you on this short notice and we can get it on. Stop hiding behind your promoter and stop fighting those stiffs. Let’s see if you can earn yourself a title fight by beating the ‘Kingpin’ Kevin Johnson. I got my gloves, my trunks and my passport and I’m ready to travel. If you are scared, I understand. Just admit it and I’ll move on.”
He has fought only once outside America in 26 professional bouts, suffering the solitary loss on his 24-1-1 record to Vitali Klitschko in Berne, Switzerland two years ago.
However, Australian fighter Alex Leapai, ranked 13th by the WBO, has also expressed his interest in fighting the 6’ 9” Mancunian.
His trainer, Noel Thornberry, said: “They are going to need a credible fighter on short notice, and Alex had some great wins last year.
“He is ready to go overseas and take on the big fights this year, I can’t think of a better start than to go to the UK and fight Tyson Fury at home.”
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