Los Angeles, CA– Jamaican born Glen “The Road Warrior Johnson (51-14-2, 35 KOs) and the UK’s WBC super middleweight (168 lbs) titleholder, Carl “The Cobra” Froch (27-1, 20 KOs) meet Saturday in a semi-final clash of the Super Six World Boxing Classic in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
WINNER MEETS MR. UNTOUCHABLE ANDRE WARD
The bout’s winner will face undefeated WBA champion Andre Ward (24-0, 13 KOs) in the tournament final. Why are both considered road warriors? Johnson, a 41 year old veteran of the sport, 2004′s Fighter of The Year, is competitive with just about any opponent. Like fine wine, he appears to get better with age, as shown in his stunning TKO 8 victory over Allan Green (29-3, 20 KOs) in his last outing. Regularly fighting in an opponents backyards gained him the well deserved moniker. Froch, who before 2009 fought almost exclusively in England has fought on the road in four of his last five bouts.
FROCH HAS PUT HIMSELF IN THE POUND FOR POUND RANKINGS
The Englishman has done quiet well away from home, winning three of those four, only losing a close decision to Mikkel Kessler (43-2, 32 KOs) last April, in Kessler’s home of Denmark. In what appears to have been the toughest schedule in succession for any boxer in the last two years, none of Froch’s opponents had more than two losses, with a combined record of 140 wins 5 losses and 1 draw. Froch’s bout with Johnson is in Atlantic City and will be his third fight in a row on the road. Both guys have a no excuses attitude, and take their profession seriously. Neither guy is known for ducking and dodging opponents inside or outside the ring. Adding icing to the cake here is the bout is a tremendous clash of styles.
JOHNSON STILL RELENTLESS EVEN AT 41
Even in defeat Johnson has been dangerous and tough to overcome. Giving tough outings in close losses to Chad Dawson (30-1, 17 KOs) and IBF light heavyweight (175) champion Tavoris Cloud (22-0, 18 KOs). Appearing rejuvenated fighting at 168, Johnson faces a formidable and versatile foe in Froch.
FROCH SHOWED BOXING ABILITY IN LAST OUTING
In a surprise to some, but not all, especially Carl, he totally outboxed and out-hustled the confused former IBF middleweight (160) champion Arthur Abraham (32-3, 26 KOs). Expecting a brawl, he seemed mystified by Froch’s use of his greater reach and improved jab to control the fight from a distance. Intelligently he never gave the Armenian much of a chance to get in the fight, winning a lopsided unanimous decision.
GLEN A TOTALLY DIFFERENT ANIMAL
The Jamaican, knowing this is likely his last opportunity in the spotlight will make a valiant effort to come forward and press the Englishman and get on the inside. Froch does sport a height advantage and might try to control things from the outside. However, Froch lacks the great footwork needed to keep the fight at a distance. This is Glen’s fight to lose. Johnson has power, better defense and great stamina. It will be interesting to see if the Englishman’s toughness becomes a factor in his favor or a detriment.
CARL EASY INDUCED TO BRAWL
Froch regularly gets drawn into heated brawls, and due to Johnson’s ability to make other fighters fight at his pace it should be interesting to see if Froch can get a rhythm. Johnson may have one or two good fights left in him to pull off the upset. Johnson, normally known for not getting the nod in close fights should be able to take Carl out of his element and score a close unanimous decision victory.
Kevin Perry