Callum Johnson states WBO title-holder Sergey Kovalev – who fights SaulCanelo Alvarez month – is the weakest of the four light-heavyweight globe winners.
Johnson, who pumped out Sean Monaghan at March, was not able to fight WBA champion Dmitry Bivol this fall due to a shoulder injury.
But the 34-year-old is currently eyeing another shot in a world title fight next year, after his defeat to IBF champion Artur Beterbiev at 2018.
Johnson explained:I believe Kovalev is the weakest out of those four, to be honest, hes the weakest of these winners. Bivol is probably next.
Not in terms of ability – I think Bivol is perhaps the best in terms of boxing skill. However, I really dont think hes the strongest and most powerful. He could make super middleweight too.
Hes got really wonderful footwork, and he does all very well and technically, into the eye for a boxing purist hes fantastic and he really is quite good but I really dont believe he has the crushing power that everyone believed hed at one point.
I really dont think hes got that lots of gears, I think he is what he is. Hes a top-level boxer but I believe he could be angry and he can be roughed up and that I really do think I have the tools and the power and the power to accomplish that.
Kovalev comes up from Canelo at Las Vegas on November 2, and Johnson anticipates the Mexican to come out on top.
I believe Canelo [wins]. I believe his best days Kovalev has seen.
Do not get me wrong, it is a tough challenge for Canelo since hes leaping up two weights and Kovalev remains very, very good.
However, I believe if anyone can beat himnow the time is enough to beat him and we understand how good Canelo is so it is a struggle I am excited about watching.
As two of the branchs four belt-holders go head to 23, beterbiev requires on WBC champ Oleksandr Gvozdyk in Philadelphia on Friday.
Johnson is financing his conqueror Beterbiev to conquer on the Allied, who rates as superior than Kovalev and Bivol.
He explained:The fight tonight is the best two, I believe we will find out who is the best tonight.
I think Beterbiev wins. I hope he wins! [That] might be a bit of prejudice but I think Id be picking him to win because hes a fighter, if I had never boxed with Beterbiev and I see him being strong.
Hes also a very good boxer, hes got the amateur experience, the amateur pedigree, just like Gvozdyk, [but] I only expect Beterbiev to triumph.
It might be a close battle. It is a genuine 50/50. But I believe Beterbiev is going to come out at the top.
Having missed out on the opportunity to fight Bivol due to trauma, Johnson admits before setting his sights on one of the world champions he may need to examine his fitness with a struggle early next year.
Well find out what happens, he said. I believe Im likely to have another battle before I get offered once, but Id jump right into one, since I am a fighter and I wish to fight for a world title again. Realistically Im likely to get to really have a fight and triumph that until I get my luck again.
I will fight those next season, people, whenever, wherever.
Whatever makes sense, whatever will be good for my career, I am happy to perform.
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