"I'm treating this guy like he's a world champion!" Callum Johnson pulling out all the stops as he prepares to face Emil Markic

Callum Johnson knows Emil Markic is ‘no mushroom’ - and he’s preparing to fight the Croatian as if he was a world champion.

Following a two-year absence, the 35-year-old Boston boxer (18-1) will return to the ring on April 24.

The vacant WBO Global light heavyweight title is up for grabs - and Johnson is desperate to prove he’s still one of the globe’s top fighters in his division.

“I’m treating this guy like he is a world champion,” Johnson said.

“This guy has held numerous titles. He’s no slouch.

“It’s a proper fight and I’ll have to be on form. If you’re not you’ll slip up.”

While Johnson has the utmost respect for Markic, he remains confident he can add another tick to the wins column in a fight he was never going to shirk, despite his hiatus from the ring.

“I back myself every time, regardless,” he added.

“Let’s be honest, he’s no mushroom is he? He 32-2 and out of his 32 wins he’s got 24 knockouts.

“I’m under no illusion I’m in with someone who’s going to roll over and just get a payday.

“He’s not a journeyman, he’s a top contender who’ll pose a threat.

“I’ve been out the ring for two years and I could have got an easier opponent if I wanted to but, at the same time, I’m past all that.”

Johnson feels stronger opponents bring out the best in him and he hopes it will be the same this month.

“Let’s get it on and go for it. I’ve got a couple of years left and want to get the most out of them,” he added.

“I want to start as I mean to go on, with proper fights.

“He’ll be a test for me and all I’m doing is preparing the best I can. Hopefully, I can get it done in style, like I always try to.

“It’s one of them now that I can’t take my eye off the ball.

“I feel like I want it to be here now. It’s getting very real and I’m getting excited, I’ve got itchy knuckles as we call it in the boxing world.”

Johnson was also pleased with the reaction of fans after his return was announced.

He added: “It’s nice to see the reaction of people, that confirms that no-one’s forgot about me.

“Everyone seems to be excited to see me back.”