He currently works as a boxing trainer, most notably for former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, and was himself trained by the late Emanuel Steward.
On July 12 Banks fought Vincenzo Rossitto for the vacant IBO Cruiserweight Championship, Johnathon won by a majority decision.
He then fought Tomasz Adamek for the IBF Cruiserweight Championship title on February 27 in Newark, NJ at the Prudential Center.
Banks was set to fight undefeated prospect Seth Mitchell on November 17, 2012 in Atlantic City.
After the death of Emmanuel Steward, Banks assumed the role of head trainer of world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko.