Last nite’s ESPN FNF offering from Hollywood, Florida
featured former IBF L/heavy champion Glen Johnson in the main event versus
club fight level Daniel Judah.
“Danny Boy” Judah, the big brother of far more talented
welter Zabba-Dabba Judah was the ideal tester for the now age 40 veteran of 62
kept appointments - and all went as choreographed.
The old “Road Warrior” proved up to the task answering the
opening bell with knockout on the mind - late in the stanza it’s a decoy left
jab to the body quickly followed by a power right hand and Judah is seen
without legs as he falls backward into the ropes for a standing eight.
Bell comes to the rescue and from that point on it’s all
Johnson on offense and Judah on defense - the Judah portside advantage never
entered into the fight for the most part, as he was usually seen up close and
personal to Johnson while playing the peek-a-boo survival game.
Goes the full ten stanzas with all three judges scoring it
Johnson unanimous 99-90, 99-90, 99-89 - my unofficial had it Johnson tossing a
shutout to the tune of 100-89 in points and 10-0 under the yesterday round by
round method.
Post Scripts: Glen Johnson (49-12-2, 33 KOs) ~ age 40
pretty much answers the question on what’s down the pike for this likable
throwback veteran. There should be a few good pay days ahead in a light
heavyweight division stacked with enough former champions and names to begin a
Senior Circuit round robin. The last one standing could then earn Ring
magazine pound per pound semi-cadaver 175 LB champion.
To his credit, Johnson shows conditioning and good
execution of assorted combinations - but caveat emptor before putting your
rent money on him before dissecting some of the today assorted seniors in
waiting at l/heavy with surnames Hopkins, Jones, Tarver.
Daniel Judah (23-4-3, 10 KOs) ~ age 31
- a tall southpaw that never once utilized the “advantage” against aged
opponent. Only chance would have been to hit and run to test the legs of
Johnson. Rest of story, big bro’ “Danny Boy” is strictly club fighter with no
future.
Closing comments: Pleasant surprise
department was seeing the usual south Florida hacks in charge down to one in
Tommy Kimmons who worked the televised opening 4-rounder and the main event in
acceptable style - a likely “first’ from when teamed with Moe & Larry stooges
Santore and Telis Ass-imenious. First time peek at new face Samuel Burgos
working the semi-final was a distinct step up in the right direction.
