Below is a direct statement made by heavyweight contender Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson (23-1-1, 10KO’s):
This is America, the land of opportunity and redemption. On January 22nd, another great American, Evander Holyfield is fighting on a show called “Redemption.” When I heard that I was going to be on the PPV undercard, I said, ‘great, get me the toughest opponent available.’ Since then I was offered guys that nobody else wants to fight. I accepted a bout against Cedric Boswell, only to be turned down by him, then Oliver McCall was offered, but I heard he was hiding out and din’t want to fight me. Finally, I heard that Chauncy Welliver wanted to get on the show, but he said he’d rather swim back to New Zealand than fight me.
Let me make something clear, this show is about redemption. And I am about redemption. I plan to earn my way back to a world title shot, and it starts with this show. I want to be clear, I CHALLENGE ANY HEAVYWEIGHT ON PLANET EARTH TO BOX ME ON JANUARY 22. ANY HEAVYWEIGHT. Boswell, McCall, and Welliver, I would fight you all on the same night! Fortunately you got your wish and you don’t have to fight me. I pray that one of you changes your mind and agrees to fight me, or that some other heavyweight accepts the challenge, but I doubt it.
