By Jamie Albrecht

As the title suggests, tonight's VIP Promotions fight night at the Robin Park Arena in Wigan will indeed be one filled with the air of opportunity.  Chorley welterweight Chris Johnson, 11-3-0 (5 KOs), goes up against Atherton’s William Warburton, 3-12-2, (0), for his first taste of professional honours, the Central Area welterweight championship.

When speaking about the contest, Johnson was ecstatic, “The fight was originally meant to be for the (British) Masters title, but when I got the call to say the fight was now for the Central Area, I jumped at the chance to fight for it, the title is much more prestigious and is a better platform to bigger things.”

The obvious obstacle standing in the way of 'Johno' and the first ticket to glory is William Warburton.  Though he possesses a somewhat questionable record in terms of title contention, Warburton is respected in domestic circles as a fighter who has not had an easy time.

This view was mirrored by Johnson when asked to provide comment on his upcoming adversary.  “Warburton can make it a difficult night for anyone,” declared Johnson.  “When you look at his record you can see that he has fought regularly against decent opponents, and if he turns up in the right frame of mind, it won’t be easy.”

The travelling Johnson support may well be expecting an early finish to the ten round championship affair, given that five of his eleven paid starts have ended early.  Johnson seemed very confident in his ability as a puncher. 

Johnson also hailed a successful training camp as a massive boost to his strength and conditioning, which will hopefully pay dividends on the night.  He said, “I have had about 10 weeks to prepare for this fight and have had the chance to do some work with a strength coach who has gradually improved my strength, especially on my legs. 

“Instead of just running, I’ve been using the leg press and other methods to improve, which will hopefully help my punching power even more as my power comes from the legs up.  I’d say I’m a puncher from the five KO’s in eleven, and I feel if I hit Warburton flush although he’s durable, then he’ll go over.”

Johnson also praised his training in terms of sparring, “I’ve had some great sparring sessions to learn from in the run up to the fight as well, with the likes of Kerry Hope, Tobias Webb and Rick Godding, who beat Warburton himself so it’s good working with him especially.”

The limelight also awaits a number of other participants in this Friday’s bill, more specifically the chance to take the first victorious step along the well worn path of professional boxing, a path that the combatants will hope leads to the sweet taste of victory. 

Six debutants will feature prior to the main event and will give the attending fight fraternity the chance to perhaps witness the beginning of something special.  The men fighting in their very first professional contests include Ryan Farrag, Craig Boardman, Kevin Satchell, Chris Bettridge, Terry Needham and Luke Blackridge.  They will be hoping to get their much needed opening victory that will pave the way for further 'Opportunities' to follow.