These guys are forever endebted to each other or linked by fate and resume wise. Both beat the great Roy Jones junior. Both held down that arguably #2 and #3 pound for pound spot in the light heavyweight division at the time they participated in that era is what I mean. Both were stylistic disasters for jones. Tarver gave trouble to rjj even in the first fight which was competitive but he ended up being on the short end of the stick. Johnson on the other hand was an offence machine: broke so many fighters down with his aggressive come forward style. He switched it up instead of playing it safe because of being jobbed too many times in his opponents home turf. Both were great! The accolades continue, but from their modern era, who takes the cake in the rubber match? Your thoughts?
I saw the two fights They had in last couple days. I thought Tarver won even the first, but in the rematch He made it pretty clear, whether because He indeed wasn't in tip-top shape for first fight like He claimed, or He figured out the right way to approach the style of Johnson after first 12 rounds. In any case, I think if They fought again - Tarver would take it clear again. He had more to his game, was more versatile and proved He can keep up necessary pace to keep Glen off him and outscore him. Great fights though, Glen was at his very best back then. Tarver probably as well.
Glenn Johnson was a pressure fighter…and Tarver figured out how to deal with him …he would take the 3rd fight
I thought Tarver won both as well and think he was a level above Glen. With that said, I am a huge fan of Johnson's.
Tarver was always going to age better, so I will go with him. I foresee a bit of a Walcott factor with these two men. I think that future generations of fans, will take a closer look at their records and the historical context, and their currency will go up.
Yes with all the talk of Glen Johnson losing alot of close decisions, he certainly benefitted in the 1st Tarver fight, winning a controversial decision. Which I think alot of people thought Tarver won 7-5, although it was close to be fair. But Tarver erased any doubt in the rematch by winning clearly, so I don't think there was any need for a 3rd meeting.
While I agree, third fight between the two still made more sense than Tarver dragging Roy Jones Jr. out of retirement to fight him for the third time. Tarver still needed to be on his game to beat Johnson. He was excellent in second fight, but anything less than that would make for a close contest and Glen could definitely win on his night. Plus those were really good action fights. Even grumpy Larry Merchant enjoyed them!
