Norwalk, CT (BoxingGurus.com) - BoxingGurus.com recently spoke with Heavyweight Contender Krik Johnson about his start in boxing, his current standing and his future plans. Without further delay we present Kirk Johnson.

BoxingGurus.com - When and why did you get starting in boxing?
Kirk - I started boxing in 1983 when I was 10-11 years old. I started because I saw a film of Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns fight. I was very impressed with Ray that I wanted to be flashy just like him, and my father saw that I was interested in boxing so he joined me up.

BoxingGurus.com - What fighters influenced you?
Kirk - The fighters who influenced were:
Ray Leonard - because he was so flashy when he fought.
Ali - not only what he did in the ring, but what he done outside the ring, speaking up for black people at a needed time.
Ray Robinson - because of the flashy way he fought as well.

BoxingGurus.com - Where do you see yourself in 1 and 5 years in the future?
Kirk - I see myself in 1-5 years getting ready to retire, take care of my kids to be, and starting my second career, working with kids.

BoxingGurus.com - Do you think boxing should have one international governing body, or continue with the current three majors? (ie, WBA, IBF, WBC)
Kirk - No, I don't think boxing should have one governing body, I think its good for fighters like myself who didn't get a shot at the title yet, but because I'm in the top five in one of the governing body's I can still make a good living, so instead of one governing body and five guys making a living, there are three body's and 15 guys making a living.

BoxingGurus.com - Who would you like to fight next?
Kirk - I would like to fight Holyfield next then unify by fighting Lewis.

BoxingGurus.com - When you finally get your chance against Lennox Lewis for the Heavyweight Championship, what will you have to do to win?
Kirk - The things I will use to beat Lewis is my natural ability, and great shape.

BoxingGurus.com - Were you surprised that you were able to dispose of Oleg Maskaev as quickly as you did? Kirk - No, I was not surprised that I took Oleg out so quickly, in training my coach (Curtis Coakes) told me I would get him in five (rounds), my manager Ken said i would get him in four (rounds).

BoxingGurus.com - The sport of boxing has enjoyed an increase in popularity in recent years, what factors do you think are contributing to this?
Kirk - The factors that made boxing more popular over the years are the 1992 Olympic gold medal winner Oscar De La Hoya, 1996 gold medal winner David Reid, and the fact that the best guys are fighting each other when they are at there best.

BoxingGurus.com - Why do you think other top echelon Heavyweights are ducking you and not giving you the opportunities you deserve?
Kirk - I think the other guys are ducking me because they know that i wouldn't be an easy fight and they don't want what happened to Oleg to happen to them.

BoxingGurus.com - We appreciate your time. Is there anything you wish to add or say to your fans?
Kirk - Thanks for keeping up with my career. To know that people are pulling for me makes me train harder to win the title.