The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

TAUREANO ‘Reno’ Johnson and Ryan ‘Big Youth’ McKenzie, two of the riding young professional fighters, will tag team up on their opponents when they put their undefeated records on the line in two different matches at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York, on Saturday night.

Johnson, fighting out of the middleweight division, will take on Cleven Ishe, while light heavyweight McKenzie will face Borngod Washington. Johnson currently sports an impressive 10-0 win-loss record with seven knockouts and McKenzie has not gone the distance in all of his nine appearances in the ring.

McKenzie, a 6-foot orthodox fighter, was unavailable for comments, but Johnson, a 5-10 orthodox fighter as well, was thrilled to be a part of the double dose of Bahamian connection in New York.

“It’s good to have Ryan fighting on the same card. I’ve known Ryan for quite some time as an amateur growing up,” Johnson said. “He’s an excellent fighter, so it’s a surprise, but a joy at the same time to have him fighting with me on the same card. It’s going to be a Bahamian explosion in New York.”

Johnson admitted that they haven’t had a chance to communicate because they haven’t had a chance to collide in training, but he hopes that they can make the best of their appearances together this weekend.

McKenzie, by the way, is coming off a four round TKO win over Richard Starnino at the same venue where they are slated to fight. He fought Starnino on January 28 when he took a leave of absence from his job at the Riu Hotel on Paradise Island to pursue his pro career that he started on July 28, 2006 with a second round TKO win over Alex Fox.

As for his fight, Johnson said he has been training very hard, so he’s ready for Ishe, who comes in with a 3-8-1 record.

“I just fought a few weeks ago, so it’s good to get right back in the ring again,” said Johnson, who is coming off a first round KO win over Arturo Rodriguez at the Chemash Casino in Santa Ynez, California on July 20.

“So it’s nothing new. There’s no pressure. In fact, I’m looking forward to another early night.”

The last time Johnson went the distance was on June 16 when he got a real good test from Roberto Young at the Prudential Center in New York where he was awarded an unanimous decision by the judges. It was only the fourth time that Johnson was taken to the limit.

“Over the years, I’ve been going through a lot of trials and tribulations, so it’s good to have my country supporting and backing me,” Johnson said. “Not being the only boxer out there, but I’m glad to be one of them and having my country supporting me. That’s been one of my driving motives, along with my family, who has supported me and the Lord who has given me the strength to go out there and display my natural talent.”

In preparation for the fight, Johnson said he has taken it as serious as he has done every trip out since he turned pro on March 5 with a first round knockout over Cleoney Fuqua at the Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia.

“This boxing is not a game like how you can play football. You can’t play boxing,” Johnson said. “So my preparation has been extremely hard and like I said before, this is my lifestyle and I’m prepared to do my best. I would not be here in the sport today if I wasn’t prepared to go out there and give it my best.”