Fehintola wants loss out of system
3:36pm Tuesday 18th March 2008
Femi Fehintola has told fallen British champion Carl Johanneson: Our fight is still on - if you want it.
The Bradford super-featherweight is plotting revenge on White Rose rival Johanneson, who inflicted his only loss as a professional in November 2006.
Leeds-based Johanneson saw the Lonsdale title snatched from his grasp a fortnight ago in an explosive clash with Frank Warren's hot prospect Kevin Mitchell.
But Fehintola, now first in line for a second crack at the belt, insists that his offer has not changed.
He said: "I'm still itching for that fight against Johanneson. My dream would be to face him next and get that one defeat out of my system.
"I'm sure he wants a rematch with Mitchell because of the pay day but if Johanneson doesn't get that then I'm here waiting for him."
Fehintola was ringside to see Mitchell take the super-feather crown in a fight that left him supremely confident of toppling the new champion when they are mandated to meet.
He said: "I thought Mitchell would take care of him a lot easier than he did but maybe he's over-rated. It showed a few flaws in his game and I know I can cause him problems with my style and speed.
"Johanneson didn't have that snap in his punches. You normally hear the power when he whacks and it's frightening but there was something missing.
"He looked a shadow of the Johanneson I fought. He's still a tough guy and always will be but I've got his number now.
"Johanneson gave me the opportunity and now I'll do the same for him."
Fehintola keeps his hand in on Saturday night when he tops the bill at the Don Valley Arena in Sheffield in an eight-rounder against John Baguley.
He said: "My fitness and strength is improving all the time. I was in the gym for ten weeks preparing for the Steve Bell fight and I've just finished 12 for this one."
The show also features Bradford middleweight Gavin Smith. Tickets are available on 01274-600444.
Meanwhile, Nadeem Siddique's lightweight clash with Blackburn's Dezzy Higginson will still take place on the rescheduled Carl Froch bill in Nottingham on May 10.
The show was due to take place next week but had to be postponed because headliner Froch's opponent Denis Inkin was struck down by a virus.
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