A Warrnambool boxer preparing to fight in India for the first time has one of the world’s best-known cricketers in her corner.
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West Indian great and keen boxing fan Sir Viv Richards sent Neekz ‘Sugar’ Johnson a video message of support ahead of the international bout.
Richards, wearing a ‘Neekz’ branded cap, encouraged the Australian, who trains under Warrnambool coach Rodney ‘Rudy’ Ryan, to embrace the moment.
Sir Viv was nicknamed ‘Smokin’ Joe’ throughout his cricket career in reference to boxing legend Joe Frazier.
“Let me take this opportunity to say to coach Rudy and to Neekz, we know you’ve got a very important appointment and we know the fight game is always very dangerous,” he said.
“Let me take this opportunity also to wish you the very best and also when you’re involved in such a marvellous occasion it is important if you have the skill for you to bring the will.”
Johnson will fight Kirti in New Delhi on September 15.
“We got offered it about five weeks ago, we thought ‘why not?’,” she said during a training session at Warrnambool 24/7 Gym and Fitness.
“We weren’t really planning to fight again so quickly but it’s a good opportunity.
“I am excited to take it all on board and fight internationally again. I know she comes from a amatuer background. That doesn’t bother me though, having been in amatuers for a long time. She’ll be fit and tough – most Indians are pretty tough – but I have trained hard and am ready to put on a big show.”
Johnson will fly to India on Tuesday, weigh in on Friday and fight six rounds on the Saturday.
The former Queenslander, who will stream the fight on her Facebook page, will spend a day or so in New Delhi after the bout and wants to “see the Taj Mahal”.
“I will be able to enjoy some of the food there and try some of the different cuisines,” she said.