JUSTIN Johnson is preparing for his first professional fight – and has an added incentive for making his name in the sport.

The 32-year-old, who has graduated from the unlicensed International Boxing Association (IBA) circuit, will battle for honours at The Troxy, in Tower Hamlets, on November 14.

His opponent in the light heavyweight bout is yet to be confirmed.

However, Johnson has revealed that whoever he is up against, he has extra motivation to win – for the sake of his son, Leon.

The four-year-old has cerebral palsy and any money raised will be used to support and care for him.

“Anything I make from boxing will go towards helping help Leon,” said the former Clacton schoolboy, who now lives in Walton.

“It gives me extra incentive and I’m looking forward to it.

“It’ll be a step up from what I’m used to, but I’m still confident. I don’t think it’ll be too much of a struggle and, if I’m on top of my game, I believe I can go a long way and possibly one day win a belt.”

Johnson’s story is all the more remarkable because of a horrifying incident when he was 20.

After finding himself embroiled in a huge fight on a holiday camp, he was left in a coma for two weeks.

“A group of holiday-makers were waiting for us armed with hammers and baseball bats,” he said.

“I was left for dead, with a fractured skull and two fractured cheekbones.

“They had to resuscitate me and bring me back to life, but I was in a coma for a fortnight.

“I’m not an angry or violent person and it was an awful time.”

Johnson’s first foray into the ring was as a Thai boxer.

He did it for around six years, before moving on to regular boxing.

“I started out to build up some fitness and help regain confidence,” said the former Cann Hall Primary School and Colbayns High School pupil, who was once a talented footballer being tracked by the likes of Colchester United, Leyton Orient and Ipswich Town.

“Initially I was into Thai boxing and then I started sparring with some of the Para guys at the Garrison.

“I realised I was quite good and it’s done me the world of good.

“I’ve had some success in unlicensed boxing and won an international fight against a former professional, in addition to an Essex title.

“Now I’m looking to make a name for myself on the pro scene.”

Johnson, is coached by Mark Massow and managed by Greg Steen.

He trains at Fight Fit Systems, in Clacton, owned by Steven Anderson.