Age: 30
Hometown:Lyndhurst, New Jersey
Record: 17-3-0, 9 KOs

Born and raised in Lyndhurst, Wayne Johnsen is a carpenter and the engaged father of one child.

Johnsen is a standout athlete in several sports.  While on a football scholarship for the University of New Haven, Johnson blew out his knee and turned to boxing to stay in shape for football.  Johnsen was soon recognized in the boxing community as a rising star.

Early in “The Contender” competition, Johnsen impressed Sugar Ray Leonard along with trainers Jose “Pepe” Correa and James “Buddy” McGirt with his athletic ability.   He ranked at the top of the SPARQ fitness test, besting fifteen other fighters.

            In his first fight for “The Contender”, Johnsen went against Miguel “Macho” Hernandez handing him a loss via unanimous decision along the way.  Next, Johnsen faced the powerful Jaidon “The Don” Codrington with Codrington knocking him out with a single right in the first round.

During “The Contender” Finale for the Bronze medal, Johnsen was placed against Sam “King” Soliman.  Although the fight went the distance (six rounds), Johnsen was handed another defeat by unanimous decision.