Kevin Johnson (l) takes a big right from Vitali Klitschko during their WBC world title fight in 2009 (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)

American veteran Kevin Johnson branded Anthony Joshua as a ‘hype job’ ahead of this Saturday’s twelve round heavyweight attraction in London, England, and has vowed to end the Olympic champion’s twelve fight unbeaten streak.

Johnson, who has never been stopped in his professional career, took Vitali Klitschko the distance in a 2009 WBC world title fight and also went twelve rounds with Tyson Fury and Dereck Chisora. Now the Georgia native plans to upset Joshua and expose him before his loyal home support.

“He is a media hype job and let me tell you this, once this dude is out the way I’m going to show you that the future of the heavyweight division is right here,” said Johnson via a press release issued by Matchroom Boxing.

“I’ve got the antidote for this guy. It’s something all of these Olympic guys have in them and you’ll see come Saturday. I’ve been here (in the U.K.) for two months now and I’m not remotely homesick – I’m hungry for something, and I know what I’m about to get.

Johnson continued, “My training has been in a highly classified location, we been keeping everything under wraps and under the hat, so nobody know about that. We don’t want to be scaring people off. I’ve been ready for two weeks. Let me tell you this – I’ve been a pro since 2003, this is the best shape and condition I’ve ever been in during my whole career.

The 35-year-old Johnson insists that his reputation as a durable opponent who reliably loses on the scorecards will come to an end on Saturday night and that he has rarely, if ever, given the sport of boxing his undivided attention.

He said, “For the last two years I didn’t even train and I didn’t even care. The days of hurting my career are over. I blew it by not training and just turning up – but not for this.

“This preparation tops Vitali Klitschko preparation – that guy was then the biggest in the world. For Vitali I was 60 per cent, but for this I’m 100 per cent so I don’t know what else to say. I’m really afraid of myself to be at this point right here, I’m going to be explosive.”

Johnson’s meeting with Joshua supports three world title fights on a huge card promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

Sheffield’s Kell Brook defends his IBF welterweight title against Birmingham’s Frankie Gavin, Londoner Kevin Mitchell challenges Jorge Linares for the WBC lightweight belt, and Welsh stylist Lee Selby attempts to take the IBF featherweight crown from Evgeny Gradovich.

Information courtesy of a press release

Limited tickets remain on sale for the bumper night of boxing at The O2 priced at £40 and £60 from www.theO2.co.uk and on 0844 856 0202.

Tom Gray is a member of the British Boxing Writers’ Association and has contributed to various publications. Follow him on Twitter: @Tom_Gray_Boxing