TOUGH American Kevin Johnson says former World heavyweight champion Larry Holmes will inspire him to defeat Tyson Fury in their 12-round showdown at Belfast's Odyssey Arena on December 1st.
Thirty-three-year-old Johnson started his professional career with the legendary heavyweight and is confident that the knowledge he gained from Holmes will give him the advantage over unbeaten Fury on the Channel 5 televised battle.
Johnson has already proved his world class when he went the distance with WBC World heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko in 2009 and insists that his all round experience will be too much for 24-year-old World title prospect Fury.
Johnson commented: "I learned from the best working with Larry Holmes at the start of my career. He's a boxing legend and he taught me everything I know – he taught me all the things that Fury wishes he knew.
"It was a real boxing education working with Larry, he did it all in the ring. So I know that I have the tools to beat Fury, no doubt.
"I'll beat Fury so bad he'll want to retire, everyone will see that on December 1 in Belfast. Fury's just not in my class."
Johnson is determined to get back on the road to another World title fight and that is why he has taken the opportunity of facing Fury in Belfast.
"I have learned a lot from the Klitschko fight, there were mistakes I made in that fight but I am the better man for it and I will get another world title fight. When I beat Fury that should put me back in the frame for another world title shot.
"I've been like a lot of American fighters recently who have been on the outside of the world heavyweight scene but when I beat Fury that will change.
"Fury's a good fighter, he's done well but I'll take him to school in Belfast."