Johanneson back after two-year absence
Carl Johanneson ends a ring exile of almost two years when he returns at
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Johanneson, who has 19 inside the distance wins, has targeted regaining his old title and then stepping up to lightweight to pursue a rematch with Mitchell.
Promoter Frank Maloney said: "Carl hopes to become the mandatory contender to fight the winner of the Gary Sykes v Ricky Burns vacant British super-featherweight title fight. There is some confusion of that bout because it is reported that Burns has a world title fight (against WBO champion Roman Martinez), but Carl is willing to step in.”
"Carl has had a lay-off, but has already beaten Burns comfortably and I hope the British Boxing Board of Control will take that into account. I'm really excited about Carl's return because he provides thrills in the ring and is a fighter I am close to from my days training him,” admitted Maloney.
"He has never been in a bad fight and although he looks good in training we will see if the old spark in there on Friday. I would love to see him win the British title, have a defence, and then get another fight with Kevin (Mitchell)."
Sykes (13-0), who is a stone’s throw away from Johanneson in nearby Dewsbury, has his British title warm-up on the card which is televised live on Sky Sports when he boxes Dean Mills (3-2-2).
At the top of the bill, local hero Jason Booth (34-5) bids to win a Lonsdale belt outright when he defends his British super-bantamweight title against Londoner Matthew Marsh (13-1). Olympic bronze medallist Tony Jeffries has pulled out his six rounder against Welshman Nathan King because of a shoulder injury.
Tickets for the packed
