Johnson loses majority decision against Froch

 ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey, (CMC):

Glen Johnson gave as good as he got, ultimately failing in his bid to secure the World Boxing Council super middleweight title from Carl Froch on Saturday.

The Jamaican delivered some big shots on his British rival in their bout at the Boardwalk Hall, but he lost a majority decision.

Two judges made the 42-year-old Johnson the loser, scoring 111-117 and 112-116; while the Japanese judge surprisingly scored it a 114-114 draw.

The result paves the way for Froch to face the World Boxing Association champion André Ward in a unifying title fight in the final of the Showtime Super Six series later this year.

"I felt I was in it," said Johnson. "My corner was telling me to pick it up, because they said I was falling behind.

"It took me out of my game plan a bit, because I got in there and ripped hard shots, and that let him fire quick counter punches on the inside.

"I was blocking most of them, but when you do stuff like that the judges will give him credit for it. I kind of fell into his fight plan more than sticking with mine. I got a little greedy."

the Road Warrior

Johnson, also known as 'The Road Warrior' for his toughness, kept carrying the fight to Froch throughout their 12-round battle.

Throughout the first half of the fight, Johnson made Froch look awkward, and kept him backpedalling.

Johnson rocked Froch with a big right-hand shot in the eighth round, but the Brit continued to show steely resolve throughout the remainder of the fight, pinching points along the way.

Towards the end, Johnson's age began to tell on him, as Froch time and again responded from his brutality with greater hand speed, which allowed him to land more punches whenever the two fighters stood toe-to-toe.

Johnson failed to get close enough to deliver a knockout punch though, and Froch used discretion as the best part of valour, choosing to remain out of danger.

"My team has done a wonderful job with my career ever since I teamed up with them," said Johnson.

"We have come up on the short end of the stick sometimes, and they have never given up on me."

Johnson said he will just go home and put more effort into his training, and see what it can bring next time.

"It was a close fight," he said. "There was a lot of give and take. He hit me with some solid, clean shots.

"Carl can fight. He is tough. We look forward to seeing a great fight between the two men who have made it to the finals."

Johnson has now won 51, lost 15, and drawn two in his 68-fight professional career, which started 18 years ago.