Former world title challenger Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson (35-17-1, 19 KOs) spoiled the return of ex-IBF cruiserweight champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez (29-2, 14 KOs) on Saturday night at the Elbau Park Floating Stage in Magdeburg, Germany. The 40-year-old Kingpin was more aggressive than usual. He stalked Hernandez the whole fight, dropping YPH in round four and putting him on the deck for the count in round seven. Time was 2:00.
The 35-year-old Hernandez was returning as a heavyweight after a six-year layoff. Kingpin had lost five straight coming in.
Other Bouts:
Returning after a 15-month layoff, former world title challenger Robin Krasniqi got his milestone 50th career win by stopping Stanislav Eschner (14-15-1, 7 KOs) in the sixth round of a light heavyweight bout. The 33-year-old Krasniqi is now 50-6, 18 KOs.
Unbeaten heavyweight Peter Kadiru (9-0, 5 KOs) halted Muhammed Ali Durmaz (29-29, 27 KOs) in round two.
“Kingpin was more aggressive than usual”, that’s a good change in Johnson.
This is why they fight the fights.
He should’ve been more aggressive however many years ago when he literally threw four power punches all night against Vitali Klitschko. Still, good win for him today.
This result should be a “ring, ring” for those planning a return after retirement and furthermore long laid off. The choice of Kingpin wasn’t that bad, with 9 losess in his last 11 fights, but Kingping is one of the most durable journeymen, and reallly big and powerful heavyweights have been unable to knock him out. Well, back to retirement Yoan Pablo.
Wow, what happened there? I didn’t think Kingpin actually fought to win. Although not exactly a stellar, high profile fight, there’s nothing cooler in boxing than a big upset!
I don’t know why this is considered an upset. Hernandez was not a good fighter, at all.
Kingpin wins when he wants to, he wanted to last night! Good stuff champion!