Johnson keen to land Lennox showdown

Canada’s Kirk Johnson has put his name forward as a possible opponent for Lennox Lewis this summer if the WBC heavyweight champion’s proposed rematch with Mike Tyson does not materialise.

Lewis has been out of action since last year’s emphatic victory over Tyson, who claimed he wanted more time to prepare for a second encounter after a first-round comeback win over Clifford Etienne.

Johnson took his record to 34-1-1 when defeating Lou Savarase earlier this month, his only loss coming via a disqualification when taking on John Ruiz for the WBA title last summer.

Lewis represented Canada when winning a gold medal at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul and Johnson told www.maxboxing.com: “I want Lennox Lewis, it’s plain and simple.

“My message to him is let’s do it for Canada and the world. I respect Lennox for being ’the man’ right now, however I am confident I can beat him.”

His promoter Dan Duva added: “We have had several conversations about making this championship fight in June.

“It would be the single biggest sporting event in Canadian history. I also believe that it is currently the biggest fight out there for Lennox.”