Clarendon-born Glen Johnson on Friday night solidified his name among the best light heavyweight boxers in the world when he won the vacant International Boxing Association (IBA) belt over compatriot Richard Hall.
Johnson, known as the 'Road Warrior' pounded out a 12 round decision in a hard-fought contest in which the determined Hall proved why he is a highly-rated contender.

Hall was coming off a near two-year lay-off, having been knocked out in his last fight back in May, 2004, and having missed out on sparring in the last six weeks leading up to the fight. He was, however, right in the mix from the opening bell and went toe to toe with Johnson trading shots.

Jamaica's Glen Johnson (right) connects with a right to the head of compatriot Richard Hall in the 10th round of their IBA light heavyweight fight on Friday in Hollywood, Florida. Johnson won by a unanimous decision. (Photo: AP)

However, after a protracted lay-off, 'ring rust' would have to be a factor, and was, although based on the way Hall fought, it was much in like fashion to his previous 'wars' with Roy Jones Jr and Darius Michawelski, which he lost.
"I haven't fought for two years and... that takes a lot away from me. I feel good... and I hope people will see me moving on to bigger and better things," Hall said afterwards.

Johnson, on the other hand, having weighed in three pounds lighter at 172, was on the move from the get go and it was obvious he meant business, aided by Hall's failure to effectively use his physical attributes.

For a taller man with a 1.29 inch advantage, two inches more in reach and of course, the three pounds, he strangely chose to fight the shorter, faster man on the inside, which is a definite no, no.
The southpaw Hall failed to stay on the outside, stick the jab then follow with the power left.

He paid for this mistake in the second round when in a trade-off he got caught leaning forward, wobbled and had to take the standing eight count, which of course made a 10-8 round for Johnson.
Hall continued to meet Johnson in the centre of the ring, but was often the one being hit with clean shots and exciting combinations.

Again, Hall was thwarted by Johnson's solid defence as the former IBF world champion picked off Hall's shots with the block, which was easy, as Hall coming in from so far up was going for the head most times and when he went for the body he leaned in and was caught.

Johnson also had the crowd excited with his unorthodox chopping left-hand that consistently found his opponent's right jaw and as soon as he tried to defend against it, the right hand fed him leather.
As the fight went on, the pace slowed as Johnson realised he was not going to get a knock-out, while Hall showed grit and determination in not visiting the canvas even when he looked wobbly.

At the end of 12 rounds the result was clear: 37-year-old Johnson outboxed Hall, 35, and it was no surprised when ring announcer Bob Alexander told the crowd that judge Rocky Young saw it 118-109; Bill Ray 119-108; and Peter Trematera, 119-107 to give Johnson victory and another world title.

Johnson, in a post-fight interview, said, "It was great fight. I expected the fight to be hard and tough. I know Richard is a puncher, I honestly thought I would knock him out by four rounds, but he's a lot tougher. He took a great shot and bounced back and I hit a lot of props, but my skills are far superior and I beat him from pillow to post."

'The Road Warrior', who is the IBF's number one, now improves to 44-10-2 (29KOs), while 'the Destroyer' drops to 28-6 (25KOs).

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