Sport

'Gentleman' Johnson says thank you

reuters - Glen Johnson is lifted high by his handlers after he defeated American Antonio Tarver on December 18.
By GORDON WILLIAMS - Contributor

IT HAS BEEN A long road for Glen Johnson, but the man from Clarendon, regarded as the best light heavyweight boxer in the world after a sparkling year in the ring, is finally getting the recognition he has sought ­ from his own people.

Johnson was named among the 11 nominees for the Carreras Sports Foundation's 'Sportsman of the Year', an honour which the Florida-based boxer said has overwhelmed him.

"It's a touching feeling," he said. "It's a big honour and I appreciate the fact that they're honouring me with the nomination."

Jamaican roots

Although Johnson, 35, has lived in the United States since his early teens, he has never forgotten his Jamaican roots. He wears the Jamaican flag on his boxing trunks during fights, talks passionately about his links to Jamaica, visits the country whenever he can, and is set to marry his Jamaican-born fiancée soon.

In reality, Jamaica had little to do with his rise to the top of the boxing world. Johnson started his ring career at 20, a late age for those looking to boxing as a profession. He worked hard, compiling a successful amateur career record, but missed a chance to represent Jamaica in the Olympic Games before moving to the professional ranks.

Yet it was as a pro that his resilience was really tested. Johnson had long been recognised as a quality boxer, earning the nickname 'Road Warrior' for fighting almost anywhere promoters asked him to. But he consistently ended up on the wrong end of close ring decisions.

However, the frustration never deterred Johnson, who up to early last year still worked as a carpenter. And 2004 proved to be a real turning point. First 'Gentleman' Glen Johnson, as he is also called for his attitude of always respecting his opponents and the sport, outpointed Clinton Woods of Britain to win the International Boxing Federation title early in the year.

Then in September, he mauled fancied American Roy Jones Jr. to defend the IBF crown. And although stripped of the title when he chose to fight Antonio Tarver last month, he also beat that American to claim worldwide respect as the best fighter in the 175-pound division.

He said he had been contacted by authorities in Jamaica before about a possible invitation to return home, but it never materialised... until now.

Getting recognition

"Finally I'm getting all this recognition. I'm getting all this appreciation," said Johnson, who has posted a ring record of 42 wins, two draws and nine losses. He is in line for world 'Fighter of the Year' for 2004 and has been praised by U.S.-based organisations, including magazines and newspapers.

"A year ago, I'd be doubtful to be recognised... (2004) has been a fantastic year. I'm hoping to repeat it this year."

That means getting back into the gym by February for a possible rematch with Tarver in May or June. In the meantime, he looks forward to visiting Jamaica for the January 13 ceremony, with some vacation to follow.

Johnson's challengers for the 'Sportsman of the Year' honour include West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle, track and field stars Asafa Powell, Danny McFarlane, Maurice Wignall, Michael Blackwood, James Beckford, Davian Clarke, Germaine Mason and Brandon Simpson, and footballer Marlon King.

Gordon Williams is a journalist based in Miami.