FONFARA vs JOHNSON ON JULY 13

Legendary Glen ''The Road Warrior'' Johnson (51-16-2, 36 KO), former IBF & ''The Ring'' light heavyweight champion will be Andrzej Fonfara's (21-2, 12 KO) opponent on July 13th at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago. This ten round clash will headline ESPN Friday Night Fights ''Crossroads''. The co-main event will feature a ten round welterweight melee between two-time former world champion, great Jose Luis "EL Terrible" Castillo (63-11-1, 54 KO) and longtime Chicago fan favorite Ivan "EL Marro" Popoca (15-1-1, 10 KO). As much as we respect Jose Luis, and love what he is bringing, let's focus on the headliner - it can be a landmark fight for ''Polish Prince''. If successful, he would be surely in the first line of offense against current 175 lb title holders and a possible heir of Dariusz Michalczewski and Tomasz Adamek, so far Poland's only light heavy pro kings.

Apart from it's historical significance, Fonfara vs Johnson is also extremely interesting matchup of styles. Jamaican ''Gentleman'' represents dying breed of elite inside fighters, who are able to literally put their heads on opponents' chests and bully them around the ring. This ability combined with Johnson's impeccable work ethic, serious punching power and good technique makes him one of the most feared veterans in the game. With all of that said, Glen's 43 years of age were visible in his last two fights against Lucian Bute and Carl Froch, when old hero's intensity was slightly below it's former, very high level. Two basic things are worth mentioning here. Firstly, Froch and Bute are obviously world class fighters. Secondly, Glen looked very solid in these losses, going twelve rounds both times at 168 lb, which is not his natural weight. Johnson will be more comfortable at light heavy - not a good sign for ''Polish Prince'', although there's no reason to count Fonfara out. Andrew's losses were caused by his body structure and lack of experience. Bulkier and much more seasoned Polish boxer-puncher brings new cards to the table nowadays. Heavy handed amateur got his sound amateur fundamentals polished by Sam Colonna. Our prince is very dangerous while maybe too predictable outside operator, who will have to be very active and smart on his feet to upset the odds. Losing to Johnson won't be a shame, so be brave and give it a good shot Andrew.

Said Dominic Pesoli of 8 Count Productions, ''It's an honor to bring Glen Johnson and Jose Luis Castillo to Chicago for their first time in their brilliant careers. Fonfara and Popoca are both very excited to test their skills against these former world champions and future Hall of Famers on July 13th at the UIC Pavilion. Fans should move quickly for the best seats, as public demand for tickets for this event is expected to be very high, it's going to be a very special night for Chicago fight fans.'' Added Sam Colonna, ''Andrew will have to train very hard. Beating Johnson will open the door to world title fights. Andrew will prove that he's able to beat anybody.''