On September 19, 2025, Minnesota’s Knowledge Johnson of Brooklyn Center, MN will make his professional boxing debut at the Grand Casino in Hinckley. For Johnson, the night marks the start of a new chapter after a decorated amateur career that included a run to the finals of the 2025 National Golden Gloves, where he earned a silver medal in the 176-pound division.
Johnson speaks with a mix of humility, pride and ambition while talking of the names who’ve inspired him while also seeking to carve out his own path and place.
“I want to be exciting and I want to be the real me while doing it. A lot of people have done great things in Minnesota. In a respectful way, I’m trying to do things even bigger. I see the things that Caleb (Truax) and Tony (Woods) have done. Cruse Stewart, Jamal James. Even David Morrell who isn’t really from here but he came and put on a show. I’m trying to take a piece from everybody so that I can do it even bigger. The way people see you is important and that’s what I want to do someday, be a star.”
“You take yourself as far as you want to take yourself when it comes to boxing. That’s my favorite part about the sport. If you want something that bad, you fight for it.”
The names he lists—Caleb Truax, Minnesota’s former IBF super-middleweight world champion; Jamal “Shango” James, a WBA welterweight titleholder; and David Morrell, who thrilled fans with his Armory appearances reflect Johnson’s thoughts for those who came before him. He mentions Tony Woods who headlines on the same Hinckley show on the 19th and also Cruse Stewart, rising boxers who represent some of Minnesota’s new wave of talent.
On September 19, Knowledge Johnson plans on making a statement at the Grand Casino Hinckley and begin his journey into the professional ranks. His debut he says is to show the fans who he is in the ring and setting the tone for what’s to come.
Tony Woods (13-1) of Shoreview, MN vs. Justin Gunter (7-5) of Lynchburg, Virginia in an 8 round Middleweight bout.
Josh Clark (8-1) of Fridley, MN vs. Miguel Gonzalez (4-0-1) of Moline, Illinois in a 6 round lightweight bout.
Jesse Walters (6-1) of Duluth, MN vs. Davonzell Patterson (1-1) in a six round super featherweight bout.
Tyler Nystrom (3-2-1) of Superior, WI vs, Robbie Loyde (1-1) of Minneapolis, MN in a five round super welterweight bout.
Andrew Griggs (1-0) of Duluth, MN vs. Tim Bender (1-1) of Minneapolis, MN in a 4 round super lightweight bout.
Also featuring Jessica Radtke Maltez (1-2-2) of Brainerd, MN and the anticipated pro debut of Eddy Valenzuela (debut) of Apple Valley, MN in a 4 round welterweight bout. Plus more matchups.
Friday, September 19 | Doors 6:00 PM / Show 7:00 PM
Event info ➡️ https://bit.ly/45kaeSF
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