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Have you ever heard the saying that things happen in threes? The rule of three is a principle that suggests that events happen or repeat themselves three times which is exactly what Stevie Johnston is hoping will be a reality tomorrow night when he faces Edner Cherry on ESPN’s Wednesday Night Fights in Jacksonville, NC.
Former lightweight champion “Lil, But Bad” Johnston is a 35 year-old veteran of the fight game looking to follow in the footsteps of fellow veteran lightweights Nate Campbell and Joel Casamayor.
The 36 year-old Campbell defeated the formerly undefeated 24 year old Juan Diaz to claim the IBF, WBA and WBO Lightweight Titles at the beginning of March. Two weeks later a 36 year-old Casamayor showed he still had what it takes to be on top by defeating another formerly unbeaten fighter 27 year-old Michael Katsidis, claiming the Interim WBO Lightweight Title and retaining the Ring Lightweight Championship.
In the former two cases each veteran was in their mid-thirties while their opponents were undefeated and in their mid-twenties. Although Cherry is not undefeated he is 25 years-old and will be the biggest challenge Johnston has faced since his KO loss to Vivian Harris in 2006.
Last year Cherry had his most high profile fight when he moved up to light welterweight to face Paulie Malignaggi who outboxed him over ten rounds loosing by scores of 100-90 and 98-92 twice.
This is a crossroads fight for both fighters; a victory would bring them one step closer to a chance at a title shot while a loss could be detrimental to either career. Johnston 42-5-1 (18) and Cherry 23-5-2 (11) have both won four and lost two fights in their last six outings and a victory for either will promise a better future.
I think similar to the other veterans in the lightweight division that have made their marks this year, Johnston will do the same by utilizing his ring experience. I feel although Cherry will work hard during the match Johnston will ultimately want the victory more and edge out a close decision and keep the rule of three intact.
