Ghanaian light heavyweight prospect Jonathan Mbanugu, also known as Jon Power, is set to take his second international bout in just as many months, this time against American fighter Kevin Johnson for the vacant Universal Boxing Organization (UBO) Continental light heavyweight title.
The highly anticipated match will take place in the United States on October 12, as part of the ‘Tale Of Garcia’ fight card organized by former world champion Danny ‘Swift’ Garcia’s Swift Promotions at the 2300 Arena in Pennsylvania.
Mbanugu, known for his knockout power with a record of 10-1-1, including 10 KOs, will be looking to secure his first career title against the resilient Johnson, who holds a record of 4-3 with 1 KO and has never been stopped in his professional career.
“I am very excited by how things are moving up very quickly for my career. I am very grateful to my manager, coach, and the entire team for their support. The best present I can give them is to win this UBO title for them,” Jon Power told Sportsinghana.com exclusively.
The 22-year-old rising star, representing the Osibor Boxing Promotions and Management stable, began his professional career with an impressive streak of 10 consecutive wins, all by knockout. However, he faced his first setback in July when he fought fellow Ghanaian George Akoto to a split draw in Kumasi. In August, Mbanugu ventured abroad for his first international contest in Albania, where he faced local favorite Amarildo Bakaj for the vacant WBO Youth light heavyweight title. Despite a valiant effort, Mbanugu suffered his first career defeat at the Brian Filipi Stadium in Lezhe.
Reflecting on his recent loss, Mbanugu stated, “I was very disappointed to lose in Albania, but it was a big learning curve for me, and the experience can only make me better. I assure my fans and all Ghanaians to watch out for a very good performance from me onwards, beginning with the fight in the US.”
Before his upcoming bout in the U.S., Mbanugu is scheduled to fight fellow Ghanaian Marciano Commey in an 8-round match in Accra on September 8. Despite the busy schedule, Jon Power remains focused on the bigger challenge that lies ahead in October against the 35-year-old American southpaw, Kevin Johnson.
Mbanugu’s manager, Gordon Frimpong, also known as Osibor, CEO of Osibor Boxing Promotions and Management, expressed his confidence in the young boxer’s ability to clinch the UBO Continental title. Frimpong, who has guided previous fighters to international success, believes Mbanugu is destined for greatness.
“Jon Power is here to rule the light heavyweight division. He is very determined to make a big statement in this fight for the world to take notice. He is preparing well, the coaches are working hard on him, and I know he will make us all proud,” Frimpong said.
Frimpong also called on the support of all Ghanaians to help Mbanugu secure victory in his upcoming title fight. “We need the support of all Ghanaians to go and secure the victory, so we request everybody to remember us in their prayers. We promise to win this title; it’s the steppingstone to the world title. We are focused on achieving it,” Osibor emphasized.
As Jon Power prepares to take on Kevin Johnson in Pennsylvania, his eyes are set on making a significant impact in the light heavyweight division and bringing home the UBO Continental title to Ghana.