Curtis Stevens promises to put on 'spectacular showcase' against Tureano Johnson

Middleweight contender Curtis Stevens is set to return on Friday against Tureano Johnson on NBC Sports Network, in the co-feature bout to heavyweight main event fighters Steve Cunningham and Amir Mansour. The 29-year-old Stevens is aiming to put on a show, as he always does.

"I feel good. I have been training very hard. We wanted to make my legs stronger so I can get lower and weave his shots," Stevens said. "This guy likes to fight. He slaps a lot. He's got looping shots.

"But don't leave your seat when the TV lights come on because you might miss it. Don't blink. Have your popcorn and your soda ready beforehand because I am about to put on a spectacular showcase come April 4."

Stevens (26-4, 19 KO) is also looking forward to fighting in Philadelphia for the first time.

"Philly is the boxing capital so I am really excited to be fighting there. They like to fight in Philly and I love that. I have a lot of fans in Philly. I grew up with Karl 'Dynamite' Dargan, we were in the amateurs together, so I know all of his family. A lot of my fans from New York and Brooklyn are going to come out there and make the drive to show their support but I have fans in Philly too."

Promoter Kathy Duva is just happy to work with a fighter like Stevens.

"I love Curtis' attitude," said Duva. "There are few things better for a promoter than a fighter who will fight anyone, anywhere, anytime. Curtis has the heart of a champion, even if he doesn't have that belt just yet."