How will history regard Glen Johnson?

It was certainly one of the feel-good stories of the last decade. Generally held his own against the best fighters in his division, and probably did enough good work to warrant a placement within the Top 50 LH's of all time. In terms of hypothetical match-ups, I actually think he's good enough and durable enough to have moments against pretty much anyone he's pitted against- although he'd be hard pressed to beat most of the greats, methinks.

 

Maybe a step or two above Mickey Wards career?
His nickname says it all Road Warrior. He certainly paid his dues and it was nice to see Glenn make some money for all his efforts. Hes close to me down here and he works really hard.

 

Well those road warriors never do have those undefeated or close to undefeated records, do they? Maybe Mitchell, but that's about it.

The road warriors in the sport the last 20 years have not really stood the time too well. Or ever, really. My guess is that Johnson ends up in the same strata and is looked at as a Freddy Pendleton type. He'll be rembered by folks that watched his whole career and will diminsh thru time.It's a real shame because the sport needs these guys and they are becoming a rare species if not almost extinct. And there isn't exactly a long list of boxers willing to wear those same shoes.

 

Well, he's a sentimental favorite for me and I had him very narrowly winning that first Dawson fight. He's the real deal. Underrated, underdog, under this, under that, gutsy toughness, but I haven't heard of anyone talking about his 'legacy' or anything. I don't know as people will really be going on about him, despite his great efforts. Unless he pulls out another big one this late in the game, which I don't see. Odd thing about him is, he's this tough guy with a tough attitude and a record that suggests he isn't elite, yet unlike most toughmen with not particularly impressive records on paper, he's a very fine ring technician.

 

The win over Jones Jr mostly seal his name in the history books for all time imo.

He will be in the HOF, I think he will any way.

 

Jan,

As much as I like Glen Johnson as a blue collar warrior and short-term champion at 175, I gotta assume his legacy is rather thin and nobody will hardly remember him in 15 to 20 yrs......... Word...

Whoever speaks of Jerry Martin, Eddie Davis, Vonzell Johnson or even Yaqui Lopez anymore........... Lopez being the premiere name...... It's rare..... All these dudes' were good fighters at 175, but in 2010, nobody cares anymore........... Word....

MR.BILLthink

 

Hes done a lot better than Micky Ward hasnt he? Micky Ward was not much more than a fringe contender who was popular, Glen Johnson is/was a consistent world class fighter who gave proper champs life and death

 

Mickey Ward was a gatekeeper at 140, a sort of ticket into the top five if you will. Many of guys considered him a very tough test because of how strong he was. Zab Judah said it was his toughest fight at 140 leading up to Tsyzu.
I think Glen Johnson filled that role well for most of his career until later on, thats why I say maybe a step up or two.
Agree with Mr. Bill, he wont be remembered for much more than being tough and knocking out a shot Roy Jones.
I had Dawson winning the first fight barely, but it was more of a coming of age fight for Dawson as proven in the rematch where he completely outclassed him. Dawson is the real deal now.

 

Sven Ottke easily outboxed him, without needing to cheat.

Robin Reid hammered Ottke.

History will view him wrong, relative to Reid.

 

Wins over Tarver, Jones, Clinton Woods, and Eric Harding are nothing to shake a stick at. Also, his close loses and guts work to his advantage. I do like the comparison to Yaqui Lopez.

 

History could have looked a lot kinder on him had Joe Calzaghe not pulled out of fighting him twice. Who knows how a fight would have went between Calzaghe and a strong, prime Road Warrior.

 

I think very highly of Yaqui Lopez, as do others on this site. If you chucked him in today I think he'd do very well.