By John F. McKenna (McJack): There is no denying that International Boxing Federation (IBF) super middleweight champion Lucian Bute (29-0, 24 KO’s) is a very good fighter. Since taking the IBF crown from Alejandro Berrio on October 19, 2007 Lucian has defended it 8 times, wining 7 inside the distance by either KO or TKO. Lucian has won all 29 of his pro fights with only 5 of his opponents going the distance.

Bute is very popular in Canada and huge draw there. To be accepted worldwide as an elite fighter however Lucian needs to step it up a notch with regard to the competition he has faced as champion. To be sure, Bute has fought and beaten some pretty good fighters, but not one of his opponents has been in Showtime’s Super Six Tournament which was designed to host the very best fighters in the super middleweight class.

With the Super Six Tournament still going on it is difficult to say when Bute will appear in a fight against a fighter who excites the imagination of boxing fans. It is pretty much a given that Bute would draw well against any fighter he faces in Canada, he is that popular there.

It appeared that Lucian would be fighting Mikkel Kessler but that fight fell through, at least for now. Instead Bute will defend his crown against Glen “The Road Warrior” Johnson on November 5 at the Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Johsnon is an experienced and determined fighter and should offer a good test for Bute. In any case Johnson is a step in the right direction for Lucian.

Glen Johnson, who was competitive in the Super Six Tournament, is usually at his best when given little chance of victory. Johnson’s nickname “The Road Warrior” was given to him because of his willingness to go into the enemy camp and perform well there. He is sure to perform well against Bute.

After Johnson it is hoped that Bute fights the winner of the Super Six Tournament whether it is Carl Froch or Andre Ward. Such a match would answer a lot of questions boxing fans still have about just how good Bute is and would easily be one of the biggest fights of 2012.