The Warrnambool-based fighter says she’s “fitter than ever” as she prepares to face Thai opponent Rungnapha Kaewkrachang for the Women’s International Boxing Association bantamweight title at Melbourne Pavilion on Saturday night.

Her coach Rodney ‘Rudy’ Ryan rates her professionalism to that of former Australian fighter Sam Soliman who he credits as “the most amazing athlete I have ever dealt with when it comes to preparation”.

Johnson, 23, lives by a strict routine – an eat, train, sleep approach which has helped her gained a sanctioned world title fight.

The 10-round bout, which doubles as her Oceania World Boxing Association title defence, will help boost her rankings and gain more exposure at WBA and International Boxing Federation levels.

“I’ve done everything right; I’ve done everything that I can to know that I’ll bring my best show,” Johnson said.

“I go to bed early, I diet well, I train hard, I listen to my body when I need rest.”

Johnson trains every day. Running, boxing, gym and swim sessions are crucial to her preparation.

There’s an importance placed on recovery too with regular chiropractor appointments and massages entwined into her busy schedule.

“Having Unpacked Nutrition come onboard the team and Warrnambool 24/7 on the team (has been beneficial) and Rudy’s a massive help,” she said.

‘He goes out of his way to come to the gym with me on my lunch breaks and my team that I have with me – Bessie (Slater), Benny (Turner-Dwyer) and Brad (Rogers) – everyone plays an important role.”

Johnson, who described having six-time world champion Roy Jones Jr in her corner during a sparring session last week “like Rhianna just rocking up at the Whalers”, will compete in a 10-round bout for the first time.

“Usually I like to go in there in the fight and see what she’s got in the first round or two and judge from there,” she said of her technique. 

“The longest I have gone is eight and that was the one here at Warrnambool (for the Oceania title), so another two rounds I’ll be fine.

“I am fitter than ever. I have good boxing skills and good defence. My last eight fights I haven’t really taken a lot of damage from the opponents.

“I box because I love it. When I am not loving and enjoying boxing anymore is when I won’t do it.

“I have a drive because it’s something I want to do and I can see myself getting to the top – that’s where I want to be.”

Johnson thanked her employers at Warrnambool Auto Group for their support.

“It’s hard to find employment where work is so understanding with putting your goals first,” she said.

“I get an hour lunch break Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to go and train and this week, obviously being fight week, I don’t want to work too much to exert all my energy, so they’ve given me more time off.”

Johnson walks around at 57 kilograms but will fight at 53.5kg. It takes her six weeks to get down to fight weight.

“I guess Friday is probably the hardest day when you’re waiting to get on the scales of an evening and then you can refuel, rehydrate,” she said.