The governing body, which went into bankruptcy earlier this week, will not recognise the bout which will take place in Los Angeles on June 21 as a world heavyweight title defence.
The WBC's preferred opponent for Lewis to defend his title against is Ukranian boxer Vitali Klitschko and the organisation has stated that such a match-up is the only fight that would be recognised.
With negotiations over a rematch between Lewis and Mike Tyson falling short, the world champion will now fight on the same bill as Tyson in Los Angeles with the US boxer taking on a challenger after the Johnson/Lewis bout.
Lewis' agency the Sports Entertainment Media Group has confirmed that the boxer will take on Johnson on June 21.
The World Boxing Council (WBC) has refused to sanction the bout between Lennox Lewis and Kirk Johnson.
