Johnson: I'd like to do it again. - FILE
MEMPHIS, Tennessee, CMC:
AMERICAN ANTONIO Tarver and Jamaican Glen Johnson are ex-pressing interest in a third clash after Tarver avenged his December loss on Saturday night and claimed the Inter-national Boxing Organisation (IBO) light heavyweight title.
Beaten on a split decision on December 18 by Johnson, Tarver lifted his performance in Saturday night's rematch, using superior speed and movement to earn a unanimous points win, and both boxers are keen on a third meeting.
"Why not," said Tarver. "It was a great fight. We put on a good show and I'd be glad to do it a third time. Let HBO bring on the money and we'll do it again," Tarver added.
"I'd like to do it again," said Johnson, who had scored fabulous wins last year over Britain's Clint Woods, and Americans Roy Jones and Tarver to be named 2004 World Fighter of the Year.
"I won the first one, he won this one. Next one decides it all. The fans seem to enjoy it so let's do it again," Johnson suggested.
Judges David Hudson and John Rupert scored the bout 116-112 and Rocky Young had it 115-113 all for Tarver.
Saturday's clash was a good, competitive battle between the 36-year-olds and with the result, Tarver improved his record to 23 wins (18 knockouts) against three losses, and Johnson slipped to 42 wins (28 knockouts) against 10 losses and two draws.
TOUGH FIGHT
"It was a tough fight," said a disappointed but gracious Johnson.
"I think he won. I don't make any excuses. I just go fight my best. If I win, I win gracefully. If I lose, I lose gracefully. He ducked under my punches and I could not land my combinations," Johnson said after the contest, watched by approximately 12,000 fans in the FedEx Forum.
"Most of the shots were hitting him in the chest and you know those shots are just not as effective as hitting solid in the body or in the head," explained Miami-based Johnson, originally from Clarendon in Central Jamaica.
"Every time I would go to the head, he would slide under me. I welcome the challenge if he wants to fight again," said Johnson.
