Clinton Woods – Glen Johnson: Completing the Trilogy

By JE Grant

The first time we saw Clinton Woods on the world stage he was pummeled and embarrassed by the then-king of the pound-for-pound lists Roy Jones. Since that time, however, the British tough guy has proven himself one of the top ten light-heavyweights in the world.

This Saturday, in a fight not televised in the United States, Woods and former champion Glen Johnson will meet in England for Woods’ title belt.

Don’t fret about his title, which is one of the fake alphabet so-called championships infesting the sport today. In fact the last belt-wearer before Woods of the alphabet belt organization he is representing was none other than Glen Johnson. The Jamaican gained the vacant belt by decisioning Woods.

Confused? You ought to be.

You see after Johnson gained the belt, he took it upon himself to face only the best light-heavyweights in the world. This is apparently a novelty in the game. So, after a sanctioned defense against Roy Jones (which ended in a spectacular ninth-round knockout) Johnson opted to take on the true champion Antonio Tarver. By doing so he gave up his claim to the alphabet belt, paving the way for Woods to fight for and win the vacated belt.

So now you know why Woods lays claim to the dubious title. In losing his rematch against Tarver, Johnson also lost claim the real championship.

Since that time he has won solidly twice (KO10 George Jones, and W12 Richard Hall).

Of course Tarver has gone on to lose his claim to the world championship to Bernard Hopkins.

With Hopkins announced retirement; four (pretty high quality) belt-holders are vying for general recognition as the champion. Unfortunately for all of them, Glen Johnson may hold the key to all of their claims. The former champ is as rugged as anyone in the sport. Despite having ten losses on his slate he has been stopped only once, by Hopkins in a middleweight title match.

In his two fights with Woods, the first go-round ended in a draw (though most observers had Johnson winning handily), and the second was unanimously in his favor.

Woods has victories over the likes of previously undefeated Rico Hoye and former titlist Julio Gonzalez, making the 34 year-old a legitimate world-class light-heavy despite the dubious nature of his title belt. He is resilient and has gained confidence not only from his wins, but because of his ability to fight to close decisions against Johnson. Considering what Johnson did following their two meetings (beating Tarver and Jones) he feels he is in an elite class.

Both fighters will enter the ring with confidence. The home crowd will undoubtedly back Woods but the veteran Johnson will not likely be deterred.

Expect Johnson to pickup where he left off with Woods. As Woods presses, he will be met with even greater pressure. Despite not being a huge puncher, Johnson is the bigger hitter of the two and sports a better chin.

Woods’ is no pushover and he will fight hard as long as he is in the ring. His great effort, however, will not yield enough winning rounds to turn the tide on the ever charging Johnson.

The fighters will engage early and often, but as Woods fades, Johnson will pickup the pace. Look for Johnson to come on strong down the stretch and gain a very clear, albeit hard-fought decision.

Johnson by 12 round decision.