The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

STILL petitioning for a major breakthrough fight since he signed to Roc Nation Sports, Tureano Johnson is now in camp with another major middleweight to assist his preparation for a title fight.

Johnson is now in the camp for Daniel Geale as his main sparring partner in preparation for his World Boxing Commission title fight with Miguel Cotto at the Barclay’s Centre in Brooklyn, New York, on June 6.

Johnson told boxingscene.com that based on his work thus far with Geale, he believes the underdog can pull off the upset over the heavily favoured Cotto.

“Daniel Geale is a special fighter who possesses a lot of boxing skills. He’s looking real sharp in the gym and his power is there. I can feel the snap on his punches and I think Miguel Cotto is in for a big surprise,” he said. “Everyone is counting Geale out but not me. Gary Shaw brought me in to test Geale’s skills and after a few days of sparring, I believe Daniel will be crowned champion.”

Johnson’s promoter, Gary Shaw, said the partnership will benefit both fighters moving forward.

“I brought Tureano to the gym to spar with Geale because he’s a good look to emulate Cotto and he’s one of the top fighters in the middleweight division,” Gary Shaw said. “The feedback I got from Johnson about sparring Geale is very positive. I’m confident that Daniel will use everything in his playbook to come out victorious.”

Among middleweights, Johnson is currently ranked No.2 on the World Boxing Council contender list, No.5 in the World Boxing Association, No.8 in the International Boxing Federation and No.13 in the World Boxing Organisation.

Johnson, 30, rose to prominence with his fifth round TKO over Alex Theran last January where he won the WBA International and WBC silver titles.

Cotto comes in with a record of 39-4, 32 KOs and will make his Roc Nation debut against Geale, the former IBF, WBA and IBO champion comes in with a record of 31-3, 16KOs.

The bout will headline the third in Roc Nation’s Throne Boxing series.

Johnson said his addition to the Roc Nation Sports lineup will bring a new level of exposure to his career.

“With Gary Shaw putting me in a great position, I’m going to make the most of every opportunity. My goal in 2015 is to become a world champion. He has been very generous to allow me to fight on many occasions, even fighting back in the Bahamas. Now with the merger of Roc Nation and Gary Shaw, leaves me with phenomenal possibilities. It is the biggest move in the boxing world today,” he said.