Regardless of his spectacular newbie resume, welterweight Benjamin Johnson of Springdale, Maryland, steps into the skilled ring with a chip on his shoulder.
Johnson faces Kevin Pantoja in a four-round bout at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland, promoted by his coach Lamont Roach Snr’s NoXcuses Promotions. The battle will air on ProBox TV on Saturday.
Johnson, 1-0 (1 KO), spent simply 2:23 within the ring throughout his professional debut, showcasing the quick, aggressive fingers that earned him a number of nationwide titles. Nevertheless, the 19-year-old Johnson feels an edge, believing he’s ignored outdoors his NoXcuses Boxing Gymnasium teammates.
Pantoja, 1-1 and 27 years outdated, has by no means been stopped as an expert – one thing Johnson goals to alter.
“Individuals underestimate me,” Johnson stated. “It’s been that manner since my newbie days.”
He added that this underestimation fuels his motivation within the gymnasium. Johnson is set to show his price, not simply to himself but additionally to those that doubt him and even worse don’t acknowledge him. “I by no means felt like I bought the popularity of being that man, so I really feel like I am underestimated,” Johnson stated of his newbie profession and now his professional profession.
Johnson views this battle as a vital step in advancing his profession, drawing comparisons to feared puncher David Benavidez by a few of his teammates and being touted as one of the pro-ready prospects within the nation by others.
“I’ve been coaching my ass off,” Johnson stated. “It’s about making a press release. The best way you win exhibits individuals what you’re able to, and I’m prepared to point out my finest.”
