When was the last time you saw four of the best fighters in the same division fight on the same card? Don’t worry, I’ll wait (for your response
). While I wait, I’ll let you in on a little secret. It rarely happens. This Saturday, Showtime Championship Boxing blesses us with a rare championship double-header, pitting Antonio Tarver 26-4 (19 KO’s) against Clinton Woods 41-3-1 (24 KO’s) for the IBF light heavyweight scrap, while Glencoffe Johnson 47-11-2 (37 KO’s) battles "Bad" Chad Dawson 25-0 (17 KO’s) for his WBC light heavyweight title. Ultimately, I hope the winners of each fight face off later in the year to further clarify the light heavyweight title picture. However, I’ll first focus on this weekend’s fights, who’s going to win them, and why.
In the first bout, the multi-talented Dawson faces the "Road Warrior" Glen Johnson. For my money, this fight will steal the show. It’s the classic crossroads fight between a younger, up-and-coming fighter (Dawson) and an older, battle-tested veteran (Johnson). It’s obvious that Dawson is the more gifted fighter, with his uncanny blend of speed, power and footwork. However, Johnson has faced future Hall of Famers in Roy Jones, Jr. (KO victory) and Bernard Hopkins (KO defeat). The list doesn’t stop there. He has also fought Clinton Woods three times, Antonio Tarver two times and Sven Ottke once.
Johnson has a clear advantage over Dawson in terms of competition and overall ring experience. Will this be enough to overcome Dawson’s advantages in height (four inches), reach (two inches), and speed? The answer is no – as Dawson’s youth and talent will carry the day. Don’t expect a blowout though; expect a close decision victory for "Bad" Chad. Although Johnson has 11 losses, he has only been dominated once (by Bernard Hopkins).
In the so-called main event, Antonio "Magic Man" Tarver faces off against perennial contender Clinton Woods. Both men have faced similar top competition, including Roy Jones, Jr. and Glencoffe Johnson. However, Tarver has fared better against these two opponents. His record against them is 3-2 while Woods has gone 1-2-1. Both men stand 6’2" tall, but it’s Tarver who is the superior boxer and jabber. Because of these advantages, I look for Tarver to win a workmanlike unanimous decision over the game, but less-talented Woods. Don’t expect a thriller though.
Thursday, I will let you know why Miguel Cotto will beat the crap out of Alfonso Gomez. Stay tuned.
