SHOCK AND CALL

Brave Johnson can KO big-hitting Beterbiev to fulfil dad’s dream

CALLUM JOHNSON believes he can cause one of boxing’s big upsets to bring a world title back to Boston.

The British light-heavyweight faces feared puncher Artur Beterbiev for the IBF belt in Chicago on October 6.

Unbeaten Johnson, 32, has been given little chance of beating the Russian, 33, who has stopped all 12 of his victims since he turned professional in 2013.

But the Lincolnshire fighter believes he can upset the odds like he did when he flattened Frank Buglioni inside a round to become British champion.

He said: “My tactics are just to go in there and hit him as hard as I can.

“At the same time he punches very hard and I’m sure if he detonates one on my chin I’m sure I will go over.

“One of us will end up on our arse, that’s for sure.

“I know him from the amateurs. He’s very good but I don’t believe he’s boxed anyone as good as me as a professional.

“I’m a big underdog but some people had me as an underdog against Frank Buglioni too. I do believe I have a great chance.” Johnson suffered a personal tragedy in 2016 when his dad Paul died suddenly and he took time out of the sport.

But he dedicated the win over Buglioni to his late father and is now out to fulfil his dad’s belief that he could be a world champion.

Johnson said: “I’ve dreamt of this moment since I was a little boy.

“You only had to ask me once and I’m here. I’m coming to win the fight and I look forward to it.

“People are saying that I’m brave and as my coach Joe Gallagher said, fortune favours the brave.”

Meanwhile, Tony Bellew is edging closer to a huge clash with undisputed cruiserweight king Oleksandr Usyk.

Bellew’s promoter Eddie Hearn has been locked in talks with the WBA, IBF, WBO and WBC champion’s team in recent weeks.

It is understood a deal is on the verge of being agreed for Bellew to face Usyk at the O2 in London later this year.