Johnson

Retired World Title Challenger Callum Johnson Teases Potential Comeback Fight Against Anthony Yarde

Written by Jared Parry on 30th January 2023.

Former British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion Callum Johnson shocked the boxing world when he retired in 2022, but has now teased a comeback against Anthony Yarde.

Johnson retired from boxing in 2022 at the age of 37, citing struggles with his mental well-being and discipline as his reasoning.

This came as a shock to many fans, but ‘The One’ could be persuaded with a comeback fight against Yarde following the Ilford man’s unsuccessful challenge against the division’s ruler, Artur Beterbiev.

‘The One’ tweeted that his and Yarde’s styles would make for a ‘cracker’ of a fight, leading to fan speculation of the heavy-hitter returning to the ring.

‘CJ’ has also shared the ring with Beterbiev and was handed the only loss of his career being stopped in round four, however, he did send the champion to the canvas. Johnson has always spoken highly of the champion since their clash in 2018.

The Boston man retired with a record of 20-1. The Lincolnshire light heavyweight cleaned up at the domestic level, winning the vacant Commonwealth title in 2016 against Willbeforce Shihepo, before adding the British title to his collection 18 months later with an emphatic first-round victory over Frank Buglioni.

The shot at Beterbiev came next, but Johnson only fought three times after that before retiring. Frank Warren promoted the final two fights of Johnson’s career, whilst Yarde has been with Warren for his whole career.

Yarde is a name on everyone’s lips following his valiant display against Beterbiev last weekend, and Johnson has proven his power against the same opponent, so this would be an exciting fight for the fans if ‘The One’ come out of retirement.