Kaash: ‘Time is right for a break-through’

Poster for the potential war between Stevens and Johnson

ALL pro fighters are on a gruelling, perilous journey. All fighters gamble with their lives when they step through the ropes.

Kaash Johnson’s journey has been more gruelling and perilous than most fighters.

His career has been stalled by a 2021 stabbing that left the light-welter in intensive care for nine days. Kaash has also endured the ordeal of being diagnosed with a suspected brain tumour.

The unbeaten Stoke prospect’s career – nine bouts since “turning over” in 2017 – has been understandably stop start.

On December 2, the 24-year-old finally gets the chance to challenge for a title and crank-up the drive to glory.

Infront of his army of fans, Kaash challenges Midlands light-welter champ Kirk Stevens at Northwood Community Sports.

In Telford’s Stevens, he faces one of the game’s true hard men. Through grit, determination and fitness, Kirk has consistently defied the odds stacked against him. He is boxing’s true Cinderella Man.

He signed-up to the coveted Top Boxer tournament at very late notice and won it. In September, he travelled to Stoke and outpointed tough Jamie Stewart for the Midlands belt.

His first defence against Johnson has the ingredients for an epic. War will be declared on December 2.

I was at ringside for Kaash’s six round points win over Lee Connelly last year. He lives up to his “Flash Kaash” nickname, but was pushed hard by Connelly and prevailed by a single points.

Last time out he blitzed usually durable journeyman Paul Scaife in quick time. Kaash has not been past six rounds and, to date, opponents have possessed more losses than wins.

But the catalogue of national and Midlands honours collected during a 54 bout amateur career show he has the ability to compete at the top.

“Stevens got heart and he comes to win,” Kaash told me. “He’s not one to be overlooked and I respect him for taking the fight. I expect a tough fight, but the time is right for a breakthrough.

“My strengths are my boxing IQ and my speed mixed in with power. I did a demolition job last time on a journeyman who doesn’t get stopped.

“The only person who can beat me on the night is me. I believe I have a British title in me, if I didn’t I wouldn’t continue with my career. I want to be signed by one of the big boys (promoters) and push on.”

Kaash is certainly a fighter with big support.

He added: “I’m a Burslem lad with big support and my football team (Port Vale) are behind me and backing me.”

We’ll know a lot more about Kaash Johnson on December 2. Kirk Stevens will tell us if he’s a prospect or pretender.