Wentworth fighter Tyler Goodjohn launches the second chapter of his professional boxing career this Saturday night with the clear goal of becoming a two-weight English champion.
The 24-year-old carved out a reputation as a crowd-pleasing warrior at light-welterweight as he captured the English strap despite regularly struggling to make the weight for fights.
Now he returns in the heavier welterweight division with a new outlook as he takes on Croatian opponent Ivo Gogosevic at the York Hall in London.
Goodjohn steps through the ropes for the first time since being beaten in a WBC Intercontinental Super Lightweight title war against John Wayne Hibbert at the end of January.
Much has changed in the 10 months since as Goodjohn took a break from the sport before returning under the St Ives Boxing Academy banner of new trainer Steve Whitwell.
“I’ve drawn a line under my time at light-welterweight and this is a fresh start for me,” admits Goodjohn.
“It has been quite tough to do the weight for this division and that makes me realise how silly it was trying to get down to light welterweight.
“I was just wasting my time going into fights like that and it took its toll. If I carried on fighting in that way I probably wouldn’t have been around too much longer.
“I’ve always been able to box, but I’ve been dragged into too many brawls and concentrated on being a crowd-pleaser a bit too much.
“It is still possible to be exciting in the ring by showcasing boxing skills and that is something I intend to do.
“I’ve always wanted to have a British title shot. It didn’t happen at light-welterweight and it is still a target for me.
“I’ve probably only got three years left in the sport and I want to be successful in that time.”
Goodjohn boasts 11 wins and four losses on his record since making his pro debut five years ago.
A potential title fight in this area could be on the agenda in the Spring if Goodjohn can take care of business in the capital against Gogosevic.
He added: “The Croatian guy is not at the level of the fighters I’ve been facing, but it is a first outing in a heavier weight division and it is a case of testing the water.
“I’ve trained hard and need to put into the practice the many things we’ve worked hard on in the gym.
“I’ve trained with people like Anthony Joshua and Kevin Mitchell in the past, but I enjoy it just as much at St Ives with a good group of lads around me.”
Trainer Whitwell is confident Goodjohn will make a smooth return. He said: “This fight should give the opportunity for Tyler to show how much he has improved on his defensive and boxing skills.”
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