by James Slater: We don’t know yet, if former light-heavyweight ruler Glen Johnson, who lost for the 14th time last night, will fight again or not. In dropping a hard-fought but unanimous decision to the younger, aggressive Tavoris Cloud, “The Road Warrior” failed in his latest attempt at regaining a title. The loss was close enough for argument, at least in Johnson’s mind, and even at age 41 and after having boxed at top level for well over a decade, the Jamaican is still capable of giving just about any fighter out there a hard night.
However, it looks like Johnson’s time as a world champion has been and gone. A true servant of the game, as well as being one of the most respected warriors from recent years, Johnson, who fell to 50-14-2(34) in St. Louis, always gave his all each and every time he stepped into the ring. Always in top shape, mentally and physically, the veteran even had his moments last night, against the guy who feels he can now go on to become the next big thing at 175-pounds.
Stopped just one time in his amazing seventeen-year pro career – by the legendary Bernard Hopkins down at middleweight – Johnson slowly but surely earned both the praise and respect of the fans. Maybe now, after losing a close decision, the time is right for Glen to walk away. If he does decide to go out now, he will avoid being caught in the ring at a time when his ageless quality has finally ran out, and he will avoid being beaten by a fighter far less talented than himself.
Going out now, with his head held high, Johnson could almost certainly expect to receive a call from The Hall of Fame in five years or so. By fighting on at age 41, and running the risk of further losses, Johnson would probably hurt his reputation. Of course, it’s Johnson’s call and his alone, but one thing we can all agree on is this: Glen has nothing left to prove, to himself or to his fans.
As for Cloud, his all-out aggressive style is beginning to win the fans over, and the unbeaten 28-year-old, who retained his IBF belt for the first time last night, figures to give us some more exciting fights in the months ahead. With his all-energy style, Cloud, now 21-0(18) might not last all that long at top level before he reaches burnout stage – and he has, for one reason or another, been highly inactive since the summer of 2008 – but he will be fun to watch while he’s on top (for the record, he’s now given us three thrilling bouts in a row).
Cloud wants Chad Dawson next, the last man before him to have beaten Johnson, and it’s likely “Bad Chad” would prove too slick for his all guns blazing style. But at least Cloud wants to fight the best and not avoid the big challenges. Cloud may not manage to give Dawson and his other 175-pound rivals as tough a fight as Glen Johnson gave them, but for now the man from Tallahassee is the division’s most exciting operator.