Former IBF cruiserweight world champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez, who is returning after six years as a heavyweight, will face none other than former world title challenger Kevin “Kingpin” Johnson on August 22 at the Elbau Park Floating Stage in Magdeburg, Germany.
“I still had that little spark in me,” said Hernandez at the kick-off press conference. “My boxing story wasn’t over yet. Boxing was and is my life. I am as fit and healthy as never before – so I can really look forward to this fight. I no longer have to suffer as much in the heavyweight division, no longer have to make weight. Kevin Johnson is a more than experienced man – the right opponent for my comeback!”
On the undercard, former light heavyweight title challenger Adam Deines and local hero Tom Dzemski will see action. Opponents will be named. MDR will televise in Germany with ESPN+ possibly picking up the feed in the U.S.
How did I know it was gonna be Kingpin?
Be interesting to see what he weighs in at. At his height he can surely support the heavier weight, but I don’t know if he has the chin to make a successful run at heavyweight at this point. He was very talented at his best, however, and I’ll be interested in seeing how far he can go.
Oh God, Johnson doesn’t even try anymore. How does he still get paid?
That’s exactly how he gets paid: You can bring him in to fight your guy, you know he’ll go rounds and he has absolutely no chance to win. By my count, he’s lost 9 out of his last 11 fights and the two wins were over a guy who’s been knocked out 35 times.
This needs to be 89.99 PPV