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Each being thirty-five years of age and both having sensationally knocked out former light heavyweight king Roy Jones Jr., Antonio Tarver and Glencoffe Johnson share honors even going into the fight that is rightfully recognized as the universally recognized fight for light heavyweight supremacy. Credit must be afforded to both fighters for alleviating themselves of their respective championships that would have bound them from committing to this crucial fight. However, only one man can reign supreme as the light heavyweight champion of the world. Johnson is used to acting out the supporting role, humbly appearing to do his job in great condition and ready for a real battle. That may have been quality enough to derail the floundering and disinterested challenge offered to him by Jones, but it will likely take much more to dissuade Tarver. “Magic man’ Tarver fought long and hard to be rid of Jones’ shadow only to be upstaged by perennial underdog Johnson and he will surely bring the best of his southpaw skills, flashy combinations and deadly power to end Johnson’s pretensions to the throne. Read on to find out who the saddoboxing.com writers feel will emerge victorious.
Greig Johnston: Antonio Tarver is a better fighter than Glencoffe Johnson, who was never anything more than a journeyman until he stopped RJJ. I have a feeling that the damage to Jones was already done when he got in the ring with Johnson, and it was done by the vicious left hook of Tarver. Look for that same left hook to stretch Johnson in round four.
Ben Lynch: It’s an interesting mix. Johnson goes straight forward. Technically he’s not great but he’s strong and knows how to put his opponent on the back foot. He is always underestimated. Roy Jones Jr. and Clinton woods can both testify to this and I personally think that Joe Calzaghe was underestimating him when they tried to get that fight on earlier this year. Tarver is no different. I think what makes boxers underestimate Johnson is that they know what he is going to do, but does anyone actually know how to stop him from doing it? I don’t know why so many people dislike Antonio Tarver. Okay he runs his mouth a bit but so did Ali. You can’t dispute he’s a good boxer, he knows how to fight. However, has his win over Roy Jones Jr. gone to his head? Does he now think he’s better than he actually is? This fight is a good mach of styles, one is aggressive and the other is slick. I think it’ll be a good fight but it will go the distance. Johnson has a history of decisions going against him. On that basis, I’m going with Tarver by a majority decision.
Jim Amato: Antonio Tarver wants to known as the best light heavyweight in the world today. He has destroyed the myth of Roy Jones Jr. and he is now one fight away from cementing his claim. Tarver’s opponent will be the rugged and ring-wise Glencoffe Johnson. Glen also holds a KO win over Jones. Who will win and become the “King” of the light heavyweights? I believe that Tarver is on an emotional high and is at the peak of his career. He has 110% belief in himself and his abilities. Johnson is a rough, well traveled veteran. He is by no means a push over. Still I feel that Tarver will just be too much for him and see Tarver winning by decision or late round KO.
Lee Bellfield: Fascinating fight in my opinion. A trade fight. Both men before defeating Jones were well respected craftsmen but not known to the casual fan. I think Tarver’s height will be the deciding factor. I can’t seem him knocking Johnson out. He’s extremely durable and will look to impose pressure on Tarver. I think Tarver will look to keep the fight on the outside and will box his way to a unanimous decision.
Katrina Walters: I believe Tarver still hasn’t been tested. His determination pushed him to the level were nothing would come between him and his destiny, which was to beat Roy Jones Jr., the second time around. His heart and fearlessness (plus great reflexes) excelled him to ultimately conquer Jones. Defending his title is another situation. I believe he will beat Johnson, and retain his title. Glen Johnson appears to be determined and ready. He began fighting at age twenty, and it took time to get where he is today, but overall he is definitely one not to be taken lightly, at all. Both fighters relinquished belts to fight this fight so it should be good. Well, we know one thing’s for sure, if the winner of this weekend’s showdown between Antonio Tarver and Glencoffe Johnson mentions fighting Roy Jones, Jr., he’s coming back, immediately. Fans, this could be the beginning of Tarver-Jones III, if Tarver is able to hold out against the confident and game Glen Johnson. Stay tuned, as the saga unfolds.
Joseph de Beauchamp: Antonio Tarver wins by KO in the eighth round against Glen Johnson on Saturday December 18th. In this twelve-round bout, Antonio Tarver with a high KO record looks to increase his record to nineteen KOs. Tarver won Olympic Bronze medals for the United States in 1996. The “Magic Man” continues to work in the light heavyweight division with astounding ease. Tarver went against tough fighters in the past with Harding and Jones. The “Road Warrior”–Johnson–beat back Harding and Jones, where Tarver lost. Even though Johnson beat up the two tough opponents for Tarver, Tarver takes this fight seriously and plans to put an end to the loosening streak.
James MacDonald: I don’t believe Tarver will allow himself to be pressured in the same way as an ageing Jones was. I imagine Tarver being able to keep Johnson at a safe distance, safe enough to grind out a unanimous points decision. Tarver by unanimous decision.
Saddo: Glen Johnson said after beating Jones… “I’m not the best, I’m just a guy who is willing to fight the best.” That, to me, showed the class of this guy and I would love him to win this fight, but realistically I see Antonio Tarver out-classing him over the twelve-rounds and winning on all three cards – Tarver by unanimous decision.
Jim Cawkwell: I’m not going to go with the majority that say that Johnson cannot compete with the superior skills of Tarver because those same people said that of Johnson before he faced Jones. If this were a popularity contest, it would be easy to pick a winner; the braggart Tarver versus the humble underdog Johnson, I would imagine a good percentage of fans would like to see Tarver’s mouth closed for him in dramatic fashion. Unfortunately, we cannot base our assumptions on such things. I wouldn’t even say that the Jones fight was a hard one for Johnson because he didn’t have to deal with much from the former light heavyweight king. Against Tarver though, Johnson, I believe will be facing a fighter who has a fire to prove that he is and always has been the best light heavyweight in the professional ranks. Tarver’s desire versus Johnson’s rugged determination will make for a great fight but I think Tarver’s confidence and considerable power, two elements Jones did not have, will be enough to deter Johnson from marching himself forward repeatedly. It won’t be easy but I think Tarver will win a majority decision.
Curtis McCormick: Johnson and Tarver both gave up title belts to fight each other. Tarver chose not to face Paul Briggs and Johnson not to face Rico Hoye. Why? Seems like an odd choice as they would both be favorites to win those contests and could perhaps fight each other later, but I imagine financially their fighting each other right now generates the most money and who can blame two fighters in their mid thirties from choosing the financial route. Regardless, I see Johnson as having the more practical experience between the two and little else as an advantage. Tarver has more power and the better boxing skills but I’d give Johnson an edge in heart. Just think of what the guy had to go through to get to this point. Can Tarver put Johnson under pressure or will he hang back, let Glen do his thing and pick him off coming in? My head says Tarver but my heart says Johnson. Usually, the head gets it right and usually I go with what the heart says, unfortunately…. at any rate I’ll take Johnson by split decision in a real tough one.
Ward – ?
Boxing being the industry that it is, Andre Ward will likely be put in with someone who will have the skills to give him a proper entry into the pro game, as follows tradition. Ward KO1.
Jim Cawkwell can be reached at jimcawkwell@yahoo.co.uk
