The last time Bahamians saw Tureano ‘Reno’ Johnson in the ring was when he was on the losing end to Mexican Jaime Munguia on October 30. Healed from a busted lip, the Bahamian, who is back home, has already begun negotiations to get back in the ring. His eyes are set on getting a world title shot as he looks to get in about three of four fights this year.
“A world title shot this year is in the making, even at this moment, but we may need to take one or two fights prior to that,” said Johnson. “Right now, we are in talks and negotiations looks good. I am eager, determined and even more motivated. Many have counted me out, even before that fight (against Munguia), and during that fight, but I have proven them wrong. I am looking to prove the doubters wrong again. What motivates me is my faith in God. I can do all things through Him.”
Johnson sports a 21-3-1 win/loss/draw record. He was on the cusp of getting that world title shot but lost to the undefeated Munguia. Johnson, who fights under the Golden Boy Promotions banner, is known for his resilience and determination. He said he will exhaust all avenues to get to that goal of getting a world title fight.
Another one of his goals for his career, particularly this year, is to fight on home soil in front of his family and Bahamian fans.
“We are looking to put on a great show this year and hopefully before the year out, we can fight home. That is something I have always dreamt of. As soon as this pandemic is over, we can resume to our regular scheduled training and way of operating. Hopefully then, we can have that opportunity to fight at home. I am excited – cannot wait for that opportunity,” Johnson said.
Johnson has been back in New Providence for almost three weeks. He’s been doing some light training as he awaits a definitive answer on when his next fight will be.
“Nothing is better than being home. It is a breath of fresh air for me,” Johnson said. “I am back to my regular training. It is an ongoing process. I do not train for a fight; I train to get in shape for whatever comes.”
Johnson is a veteran in the sport at the age of 36, soon to celebrate his 37th birthday. He said he is still learning and adding to his craft.
“While I was away, I did some tactical skills with my coach. We are adding a lot to my arsenal. We are definitely having the head movements and the proper attire in place. Munguia went in there and he did what he was supposed to do. As for me, I went in there, and make no mistake, Munguia put on a stellar performance, but Tureano was careless,” Johnson said.
Johnson suffered a sixth-round loss to Munguia, falling victim to a right uppercut that injured him.
“I had a few infractions especially with my mouthpiece that resulted in my lip being split – that was the price I paid for not having the proper mouthpiece and that was the main reason why the injury occurred. That was all on me and being a senior man, that should have been a mistake that should not have been made. More than just that mistake, the arrogance of it, I am definitely working on at this moment,” the Bahamian said. “Learning from the bout with Munguia – there is always a learning experience with everything. There is much more work to be done in certain areas, even with my conditioning.
“Perhaps I came out of the blocks a little too fast and I ended up being a little aggressive too early. Maybe I do have to settle down, we are working on a few things that we are ironing out and we are going to get it done. It is pretty much head movements and coming out of the blocks – whether we want to come out very fast or pace ourselves. I was not tired at any moment or at any interval of the fight. Perhaps the cut would not have come so early if I wasn’t so aggressive so early on.”
Preparing for such a fight in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic was difficult for the middleweight boxer. He started his training at home but due to lockdown and restrictions back in the summer of 2020, it made it difficult for him to get in his usual training. This year, he said, he is ensuring that he gets in his regular training.
“It was very difficult at that time but I have learnt from my last training session and my last fight. Being back home, I have taken a different approach to training and I am not putting myself in that position to be denied of a training facility anymore. At this time, I am doing things more on my own where I can use my own facility and make things more comfortable for me at home,” Johnson stated.
The 36-year-old middleweight boxer said he has always fought for his family and to make his country proud. He said God blesses him to box and that is what he will continue to do.
Outside of boxing, Johnson facilitates a program called ‘Big Brother Ministry’ that reaches out to young men to be better citizens. It is Johnson’s way of giving back to the community.
He thanked supporters such has K.S. Moses, Aquapure and Member of Parliament for Southern Shores Frankie Campbell for their support.
The post Tureano forges ahead for next fight appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.
source https://thenassauguardian.com/tureano-forges-ahead-for-next-fight/
No comments:
Post a Comment