Glen gets greater respect

MIAMI, Florida (CMC):

Glen Johnson's unexpected victory in the Super Six World Classic has grabbed the attention of the other fighters in the competition.

The Jamaica-born pugilist stopped Allan Green in the eighth round of their bout last Saturday in Las Vegas to earn the final spot in the Super Six.

The result surprised the other contenders because many felt that the 41-year-old Johnson was way past his best, but his beat down of Green will have them all reassessing him going forward.

"I think Glen put on a good show and did what he had to do in his fight with Allan Green," said undefeated World Boxing Association super-middleweight belt-holder, André Ward.

"I wasn't shocked by the outcome. I anticipated something like that happening. With the type of fight they had and the pace at which they fought, it was hard to tell what impact fighting at 168 had on Glen.

"With that said, he did what he needed to do (last) Saturday night and I take my hat off to him."

Ward is the Super Six leader with six points and will defend his world title against Sakio Bika of Australia in Cameroon on November 27 on the next Super Six fight date.

Impressed

On the same card, the final preliminary fight will transpire, when former world champions Arthur Abraham of Germany and England's Carl Froch tussle for the vacant World Boxing Council super middleweight in Helsinki, Finland.

Abraham is tied with Johnson on three points and could face the fighter they call 'The Road Warrior' if he topples Froch.

"I was impressed by Glen," he said. "You could see what experience and class can do inside the ring. It is very remarkable that at the age of 41 he knocks out a young man like Green. That was a strong performance."

Froch hailed Johnson's determination and decision to downsize from light-heavyweight to fight at 168lb.

"I think Johnson brings a different dimension to the Super Six as a fighter," he said.

"One thing this tournament has shown is how we're all very different in our approach. We're all very unique in that sense.

"I like people who come to fight and, therefore, I'm all in favour of Johnson's inclusion. Ken Hershman has done well to bring 'The Road Warrior' in at such short notice."

The Miami-based Johnson has now improved his career numbers to 51 wins, including 35 knockouts, 14 losses and two draws.