The doubt that fuels 19-year-old Benjamin Johnson

Despite his impressive amateur resume, welterweight Benjamin Johnson of Springdale, Maryland, steps into the professional ring with a chip on his shoulder.

Johnson faces Kevin Pantoja in a four-round bout at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, Maryland, promoted by his trainer Lamont Roach Snr’s NoXcuses Promotions. The fight will air on ProBox TV on Saturday.

Johnson, 1-0 (1 KO), spent just 2:23 in the ring during his pro debut, showcasing the fast, aggressive hands that earned him multiple national titles. However, the 19-year-old Johnson feels an edge, believing he is overlooked outside his NoXcuses Boxing Gym teammates.

Pantoja, 1-1 and 27 years old, has never been stopped as a professional – something Johnson aims to change.

“People underestimate me,” Johnson said. “It’s been that way since my amateur days.”

He added that this underestimation fuels his motivation in the gym. Johnson is determined to prove his worth, not just to himself but also to those who doubt him or even worse don’t acknowledge him. “I never felt like I got the recognition of being that guy, so I feel like I’m underestimated,” Johnson said of his amateur career and now his pro career.

Johnson views this fight as a crucial step in advancing his career, drawing comparisons to feared puncher David Benavidez by some of his teammates and being touted as one of the most pro-ready prospects in the country by others. 

“I’ve been training my ass off,” Johnson said. “It’s about making a statement. The way you win shows people what you’re capable of, and I’m ready to show my best.”