Glen Johnson’s stunning eighth-round knockout victory over Allan Green Saturday night on SHOWTIME® not only earned him three points and the final spot in the Super Six World Boxing Classic Semifinals but the respect from the other entrants in the Super Six.
Although the scoring was close, the 41-year-old Jamaican-born Johnson (51-14-2, 35 KOs), of Miami, Fla., pushed the pace and consistently delivered the heavier shots throughout. Making his first start at 168 pounds in 10 years, Johnson finished Green (29-3, 20 KOs) of Tulsa, Okla., with a combination culminated by a vicious right hand 36 seconds into the round.
The final Group Stage 3 fight will transpire Saturday, Nov. 27, when former world champions Arthur Abraham (31-1, 25 KOs) of Germany and England’s Carl Froch (26-1, 20 KOs) clash for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) super middleweight title from Hartwall Areena in Helsinki, Finland, on SHOWTIME (same-day delay) in the opener of a televised doubleheader.
Undefeated World Boxing Association (WBA) 168-pound belt-holder Andre Ward (22-0, 13 KOs) of Oakland, Calif., will defend against dangerous Sakio Bika (28-4-2, 19 KOs) of Sydney, Australia, by way of Cameroon, Africa, live on SHOWTIME in the second half of the eagerly awaited Nov. 27 twinbill. Ward enters the non-tournament bout as the Super Six tournament leader with six points,
“I think Glen Johnson put on a good show and did what he had to do in his fight with Allan Green,’’ Ward said. “I wasn’t shocked by the outcome. I anticipated something like that happening. With the type of fight they had and they pace they fought at, it was hard to tell what impact fighting at 168 had on Glen.
“With that said, he did what he needed to do on Saturday night and I take my hat off to him.”
Abraham, who is tied with Johnson with three points, also commended Johnson on his outstanding accomplishment.
“I was impressed by Glen Johnson,’’ Abraham said. “You could see what experience and class can do inside the ring. It is very remarkable that at the age of 41 he knocks out a young man like Green.
“That was a strong performance.’’
Froch offered high praise for Johnson and SHOWTIME, while providing some free advice to Green.
“The win over Allan Green was a good one and the old fella looked game and determined,’’ Froch said. “He made the weight comfortably and seemed happier at 168 pounds.
“I think Johnson brings a different dimension to the Super Six as a fighter. One thing this tournament has shown is how we’re all very different in our approach. We’re all very unique in that sense. I like people who come to fight and therefore I’m all in favor of Johnson’s inclusion. Ken Hershman has done well to bring ‘The Road Warrior’ in at such short notice.
“With regards to Green, unfortunately, it’s not really worked out for him at all. Maybe he needs to consider a move up in weight to recapture some of his old magic. He is tall and I’ve often read of his battles with the scales and I think that will be his only way forward now. He’s shown in the past he can put it together, but something has been lacking during this tournament for him and maybe light heavyweight is the answer.”
