Callum’s title tribute to dad

CALLUM JOHNSON has a tattoo that reads, ‘Dad, your guiding hand will remain with me forever’.

Above the words is an image of his late father’s hand resting on his shoulder.

“I’d like to have a picture framed with a world title belt on one side, and my dad’s hand on the other,” said the unbeaten Lincolnshire boxer.

This weekend he gets the chance to make that a reality when he faces feared Russian Artur Beterbiev for the IBF light-heavyweight title in Chicago.

Promise

Johnson, 33, has already achieved what his dad, Paul, predicted he would when he grabbed the British title from Frank Buglioni in March.

“I visualised taking the British title down to his grave and saying, ‘There you go, mate’,” said Johnson.

“When I buried him, I made him the promise I would win the British title. I said, ‘Don’t worry I will get the belt for you’.”

Paul died a week after suffering a heart attack at the age of 52 in February 2016 and Johnson struggled badly.

After returning to the ring within a few months, he ended up withdrawing and locking himself away for six weeks.

Johnson barely spoke to anyone as his partner Gemma, their sons, Corbon and Clay-Jonno, and the family tried to help him get over the loss.

“I didn’t need a best mate because

I had my dad,” he said. “It was the same for him. It still is tough but I have learnt how to deal with it.

“I went through a very, very bad patch in my life.”

Now the 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist has his world title shot against defending champion Beterbiev, who has knocked out all 12 of his opponents.

“I know he is a beast,” added unbeaten Johnson ahead of his 18th fight. “But this is mine and my dad’s journey and I want to make him proud.”