Boston boxing star Callum Johnson’s comeback rocked by only second career defeat
Boston boxing star Callum Johnson was rocked by only the second defeat of his career after a long lay-off at the weekend – and manager Carl Greaves put the loss down to being under-prepared.
The 40-year-old cruiserweight, who is opening his own Elevate Fitness gym in the town next month, wanted one last shot at the big time – his only career defeat being in 2018 against Artur Beterbiev for the world light-heavyweight title.
However, after a long period out unable to find an opponent, Johnson, who had won 23 of his 24 previous pro fights, took on Austine Nnamdi at The Nest at Notts County FC on Saturday and, after being put down in the last of the six rounds, was beaten on points.
Greaves said: “Callum has so much going on with his new gym opening and other commitments and probably didn't prepare as well as he could have for this fight, which has backfired on him.
“Also, I think we probably underestimated his opponent who proved to be a very good fighter.
“Callum thought the training he had done would be enough to win the fight, but in the end it wasn't and I think he now realises that.
“His head has not been 100 per cent on it, but at 40 years old we couldn't wait any longer and had to make a move.
“If he now wants to carry on, he will need a rematch and to put a proper camp in so he can put the record straight and move on from this.
“He had only ever lost once before in his career so this has knocked him back a bit.
“Callum has been a world class fighter but had not boxed for 19 months and came back in against a dangerous opponent.
“If he can get a rematch we will sort a proper camp, if he can't he will probably pack in. We will see what happens and go from there.”
Nnamdi has now won 14 of his 20 fights, 11 by knockout.
Having not fought for more than a year, Johnson retired from professional boxing in November 2022, but reversed his decision and returned to the ring in December 2023 stepping up a weight division to compete at cruiserweight.
His first comeback contest saw him stop Darryl Sharp in Manchester in December 2023, followed by two points victories against Viktar Chvarkou in Grantham in June and September 2024.
But since then he had been unable to find an opponent and saw his world ranking expire due to his inactivity.
At regional level, Johnson held the Commonwealth light-heavyweight title from 2016 to 2018 and the British light-heavyweight title in 2018 while, as an amateur, he won a gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
An Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Boston, Johnson has also had a road named after him in his home town.