TalkingBoxing with WAYNE JOHNSON
"With every fight, you can see a dramatic increase in my game"
by
Danny Serratelli
4/6 - After moving from New Jersey to Massachusetts with six amateur fights only two years ago,
Wayne Johnson is making his return to the Garden State bringing with him an impressive 6-0 record with 4 knockouts. The powerful puncher from Lynhurst, New Jersey will be one of the featured rising stars fighting this Friday, April 8th's on the
KEA Boxing show at the Hanover Marriott in Whippany, New Jersey.
After winning his professional debut by a unanimous decision, he went on to knock out his next four opponents, three of them in the first round. The lone fighter to make it into the second round dropped Wayne early, but Wayne got up and showed the heart of a champion.
The 27-year old got up and fought as his opponent moved in for the kill, however Wayne weathered the storm and stopped his challenger in the "fight of the night" on the Vinny Paz-Tucker Pudwill undercard. In Wayne's most recent fight against Terrence Jones this December, he broke his hand early in the fight and still boxed his way to a unanimous decision.
WAYNE JOHNSON
Danny Serratelli: Whats up Wayne? When did you start boxing and how did you first
become involved?
Wayne Johnson: I started boxing about four years ago. I hurt my knee playing
college football. I had three surgeries on my knee and was getting back
in shape. I decided to box to stay in shape. Some trainers noticed me
and said I had a lot of raw talent so I started boxing.
Danny Serratelli: Where did you play football, and what position?
Wayne Johnson: I played four years of college football at the University of
New Haven on a scholarship, I played outside linebacker. For High School
I went to St. Mary's High School in New Jersey. In high school I
played football, wrestled, and was on the track team. I was named "Athlete
of the Year" in 1995.
Danny Serratelli: Explain how you got your start in boxing and about your short
time fighting as an amateur?
Wayne Johnson: My 1st trainer was Charles Johnson. After about two months of
boxing I sparred with (former Cruiserweight Champ) Imamu Mayfield.
During my sparring with Imamu I broke my nose and bruised my ribs, but I
didn't go down though. Three days later, I fought in my 1st Golden
Gloves fight with my injuries. My nose would bleed every night but I won
four fights and went to the finals after only boxing for about three
months. I had 6 amateur fights 5-1 (2 KO's).
Danny Serratelli: Tell me about your transition from the amateur to professional
boxing, and who guided you to make the move so quick?
Wayne Johnson: For me, turning professional was great. You use smaller gloves
and no headgear. It seems to be more my style. I have had great
trainers. I worked with Charles Johnson first. Then I left New Jersey and
moved to Massachusetts for two years and trained with Julio Pena who was a
great trainer who took me to a whole new level of boxing. I recently
moved back to New Jersey and started training with Mike Rodrigues who
improved my skills even more. I had to go to Jersey City because of work
reasons and now have teamed up with Mike Skowronski and Sal Lessi over
at Hudson County Boxing who I believe will bring me to the top.
Danny Serratelli: What is your professional record?
Wayne Johnson: I'm 6-0, with 4 knockouts.
Danny Serratelli: Have you worked with any experienced guys in the gym to help
you make a quick transition into a professional?
Wayne Johnson: I've had some good sparring to help me get better. I've
sparred with Vinny Pazienza, Omar Sheika, Scott Pemberton, Ian Gardner,
Imamu Mayfield, Julio Aquino, Eric Graham, Jimmy Clancy, Mark Clancy, and
Chris Tillman who are all great fighters.
Danny Serratelli: How much do you feel you have progressed as a fighter in this
short time?
Wayne Johnson: In the last two years as a pro, I have improved greatly. With
every fight, you can see a dramatic increase in my game. I just keep
getting better everyday.
Danny Serratelli: Where are you originally from?
Wayne Johnson: I am originally from Lyndhurst, New Jersey. I grew up playing
four sports since I was eight years old. I have many friends and fans in
boxing. I attract many fans. They call themselves "The Wayniacs" and
they are loud and loyal. I do it for my fans because hearing the crowd
gives me that extra push I need when times get tough in the ring.
Danny Serratelli: Is there anyone specific that you want to fight?
Wayne Johnson: It doesn't matter who it is, I want to fight whoever is at
the top.
Danny Serratelli: Tell us about your training?
Wayne Johnson: I train twice a day. I do my running at 4:00 A.M., then I go to
my construction job from 7:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M., and then I go back to the
gym and night from about 6:00 P.M.-9:00 P.M. It's tough and it takes
a lot of dedication but if you want to be a champion, you must make
sacrifices and get it done.
Danny Serratelli: Sounds good, I will be looking forward to your fight next
Friday, and your New Jersey homecoming as a pro.
Wayne Johnson: Thanks a lot Danny. I want to thank you,
www.braggingrightscorner.com, www.roundcardmodels.com and
www.talkingboxing.com for the support.
I also want to thank all my fans in New Jersey who will pack the house
to for me on Friday, as well as all the people who have supported me
and continue to stick with me as I continue my rise to the top.
You can learn more about Wayne on www.roundcardmodels.com
where he is one of the featured
boxers. http://www.roundcardmodels.com/fightersJohnsonBio.php
For tickets, or information about Wayne's next fight this Friday
April 8th contact dserratelli.s@nyls.edu or call 973-931-8812.
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