Antonio Tarver Defeats Glens Johnson
Antonio Tarver v Glenn Johnson
The 36-year-olds met in Los Angeles in December, a bout that allowed Johnson to cap an amazing year with a split decision win.
Tarver rallied late in that fight but was unable to erase an early deficit. In this one he turned the tables, burying Johnson in a hole with a strong start and holding on through some thrilling late rounds to take the IBO light-heavyweight title.
After Tarver opened the 11th with a flurry, Johnson showed his trademark grit with a strong finish. But while he did back Tarver into the ropes on more than one occasion in the round, he was unable to score the knockout he and his corner knew he needed.
While both fighters relinquished their belts before their first meeting, Tarver’s win makes him the undisputed king of the division. A third meeting between the two is likely, although Roy Jones Jnr, who lost to both fighters in 2004 and was commentating at ringside, has hinted he would like a shot at the victor.
