By Manny Silverstadt

BoxingScene.com has learned that heavyweight contender Kevin "Kingpin" Johnson will make his return to the ring on November 7 in Atlantic City when he battles journeyman Galen Brown. Johnson, who has long campaigned for a bout with a major contender, will fight his second straight tune-up bout at Bally's Atlantic City Casino. The 29-year-old native of Atlanta, GA defeated former WBA welterweight champion Bruce Seldon in his last bout at Bally's on Sept. 5.

 

Shortly after the Seldon bout, Johnson (20-0, 7 KOs) was mentioned as a potential opponent for Golden Boy product David Haye. When the bout fell through, Johnson and his promotional team at Star Boxing went searching for another bout. The result is a fight against Brown (31-9-1, 19 KOs), a sturdy heavyweight who has fought at as low as the super middleweight mark in his seven-year career. The St. Louis native defeated Jason Nicholson in a six-round fight on Sept. 27.

 

In addition to Johnson-Brown, the November 7 card will feature an interesting battle of two New Jersey-born welterweights. Atlantic City native Shamone Alvarez, inactive since losing to Joshua Clottey in a IBF eliminator fight last December, makes his return against Trenton resident Terrance Cauthen (33-4, 9 KOs).

 

Alvarez (19-1, 11 KOs), a crafty southpaw who has battled respiratory issues since the Clottey fight, recently served as the sparring partner for junior welterweight Mike Arnaoutis and is said to be in good shape. His opponent, a 1996 Olympic Bronze medalist, is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Alexis Camacho on July 16.

 

There is no word on whether the card will be televised.