Depends on when exactly they fought. Their primes weren’t easily defined. Especially not Johnson’s who periodically went in winning and losing streaks back and forth. I’m guessing this goes the distance as both guys were somewhat durable ( Johnson probably more so ) and neither was a huge puncher.
They did fight on ESPN Friday night fights and Johnson stopped Montell in the 11th round. I remember it well because I had money on Montell pulling the upset. Montell started off well but as the fight wore on, Johnson's pressure really started to get him and by the 11th he was done for. Montell pretty much retired shortly after and Jonhson fought on for another five years or so winning some good fights but also coming up short in title shots. Prime for prime, I think Griffin would win but on this night, the Road Warrior prevailed
Montell was about ten years past his prime. Johnson was a bit of a late bloomer. He didn't peak until his mid 30's when beat Jones Jr. That was four years earlier.
Glen Johnson’s alias “ the road warrior “ was well earned. He was a total throwback to the old school. Fought anyone who was put in front of him. Sometimes he won and other times he lost. Had a mix of good and bad nights but kept learning as he went. We don’t see many like him anymore
Hard to believe I wasn't alive back then! You're definitely right about the assessment of the fight though, I think I watched it a month or two ago while going through Griffin's record and it was pretty fun.
Johnson's prime began when he teamed up w/ trainer Orlando Cuellar shortly before the Harding fight. Cuellar was ultimately responsible for overhauling Johnson's style from a wannabe boxer-puncher to a relentless, swarming pressure fighter. Johnson's absolute peak was his 2004 run in which he beat Woods, RJ, & Tarver in succession & earned Ring's Fighter oty award. I think 2004 Johnson beats any version of Griffin that's put in front of him.
