By Ben Jacobs

Having not fought since October 2015 due to injury, Tureano Johnson (19-1, 13 KOs) is understandably chomping at the bit to get back in the ring this Saturday in Indio, California.  Mexico’s Antonio Gutiérrez (21-2-1, 9 KOs) will likely provide a stiff test for the returning middleweight who defeated Eamonn O’Kane last time out via unanimous decision.

“I’m feeling good, the injury had me out for quite a while, it feels like forever, but it’s good to be back in the ring this weekend,” Johnson told BoxingScene.com.

“Respect to Gutiérrez, he poses a threat to me now but I’m more than able to take care of business at the weekend.”

Johnson is looking ahead at possible future fights in 2017 and believes he has a good chance to face the winner of the March 18 unification bout between Gennady Golovkin and Daniel Jacobs.

“Well, I am mandated for the IBF title and one thing I love about the IBF is that they are the strictest in regards to their obligations.  So, I’m looking forward to fighting for that title after Gutiérrez.

“Jacobs hits well with both hands, he has good movement and he poses a threat to GGG,” the 32-year-old opined.

“GGG has his flaws, he has boxing ability and we’ll see how great his skills are against Jacobs. All in all, I think Jacobs has a great chance.  It’s not a 50/50 fight but it’s going to be a good fight for as long as it lasts, it will be exciting.”

Tureano also has his eye on the other champion at 160lbs, Britain’s Billy Joe Saunders who is set to defend his title in the next few months.

“Respect to the WBO, I feel like the IBF they make the champions fight their mandatories. But Billy Joe Saunders is holding a belt, you can’t hold it for such a long time and not defend it against credible, quality opponents.  This is boxing and if you’re in line for a title shot, why not give them the opportunity?  It can stagnate and hold up garnering more fans.  If you hold up the title it does injustice to other athletes.”

“I’m from the Bahamas, a part of the Commonwealth so I would love to fight Billy Joe Saunders."