JOHNSON BEATS TARVER ON POINTS

[STILLDRE IS THE GODFATHER]

JOHNSON BEATS TARVER ON POINTS
Sunday 19th December 2004

 
 
 
  Johnson: IBO champion
   
 
 
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Glencoffe Johnson claimed the IBO title with a split-decision victory over Antonio Tarver in Los Angeles.

The 35-year-old from Jamaica was the more aggressive of the two fighters at the Staples Centre and was awarded a 115-113 victory on two of the three judges scorecards.

Both men came into the bout coming off the back of wins against Roy Jones Jnr, the man who used to dominate the division, and had vacated the WBO and IBF titles in-order-to fight each other.

Johnson came out in the opening rounds looking to hunt down an opponent who was much more comfortable fighting from distance and using his jab.

While hardly dominant, the veteran's weight of punches and work-rate gave him the upper-hand in a contest that was fairly evenly matched throughout.

Tarver attempted to fight back in the middle rounds, but was unable to land the big left hand he was looking for.

Both fighters tired as the contest wore on, although the 12th round was eventful as they gave their all in an attempt to negate the need for the judges.

Tarver started the final three minutes in an usually aggressive style but his attacking policy faded quickly and, in the end, he did well to hang on under some heavy punishment from his opponent.

The decision could have gone either way and, although Johnson was given the win by a narrow margin, both fighters expressed their intention to have a rematch in 2005. 

[Sikotic™]

Damn I'm pissed I missed that fight. I was happy when Tarver kicked Roy Jone's ass, but it went to his head and he became a bigger asshole than Jones himself lol. Johnson beat Jones too, but took it in a more humble manner. So props to him for beating Tarver's ass.