Johnson to return on April 24 Bentley-Cash card
The fight will be Johnson’s fourth since 2016
After joining forces with Frank Warren earlier this year, former light heavyweight title challenger Callum Johnson is officially set to end a two-year layoff against Bosnia’s Emil Markic on Queensberry’s April 24th Denzel Bentley-Felix Cash card.
— Frank Warren (@frankwarren_tv) April 6, 2021
After years out of the ring, @CallumTheOne finally returns on April 24th live on @btsport
‘The One’ takes on Emil Markic (32-2) on the #BentleyCash show with the vacant WBO Global title up for grabs #JohnsonMarkic pic.twitter.com/yXdlflQyfl
Johnson (18-1, 13 KO) has struggled badly with inactivity this last half-decade, managing just three fights since 2016. In his defense, they were pretty good fights; he demolished Frank Buglioni in half a round, put Artur Beterbiev on the canvas before succumbing to the Russian’s heinous power, and retired Seanie Monaghan in his most recent effort.
Markic (32-2, 24 KO) definitely figures to be an easier out than those three. The 37-year-old has largely fed on substandard opposition on the Euro scene, and his two steps up saw him stopped in four by Shefat Isufi and Umar Salamov.
In his mid-30s but relatively short on mileage, Johnson has made his targets clear: Lyndon Arthur, Anthony Yarde, and a world title.
The former British and Commonwealth champion said: “I have been out for two years, but I am not bothered what level I come back at. I am a fighter at the end of the day.
“There is pressure after two years out. I just hope I remember to do it right when I get back in there. I’m sure I will.”
“I think Lyndon and Anthony are good fighters, but I believe I am the best in the country and would beat anybody.
“Do I believe I will beat them two? One million per-cent.
“Are they good fighters? Of course they are. It’s good that there are a few good fighters in our division that makes it so exciting.
“We can all fight each other. It can be like the UFC where a few fighters can fight each other and a loss doesn’t matter.
“You can get back a few months later and fight another guy so it’s exciting and something fans will like.”
Callum said: “People will see I have been out for a while, but I haven’t been off the scene. I have been in the gym, sparring, stayed fit and healthy.
“Until the night we won’t know, but I am not expecting to show much ring rust and to do a job on Markic.”