By Gordon Williams

Glen Johnson - file

Former world champion Glen Johnson's growing frustration with boxing politics, compounded by his latest controversial defeat, has pushed the Jamaican to the brink of retirement from the ring.

"Right now I have one leg in and one leg out (of retirement)," Johnson said on Monday.

On September 2 Johnson failed in his bid to retain the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light heavyweight title after losing a split decision to defending champion Clinton Woods of Britain in a highly disputed result. Johnson's camp said one of Woods's handlers violated boxing rules by stepping onto the ring's apron during the fight, which should have led to Woods's immediate disqualification.

Lack of respect

The Jamaican also claimed he won the bout, but was denied by the judges, a problem which has plagued his career. And, despite being named "World Fighter of the Year" in 2004, Johnson claimed that general lack of respect by the powers which control boxing is also sapping his motivation.

Johnson's handlers hope the IBF will order a fourth Johnson-Woods fight. But, Johnson believes, his ring career is nearing the final bell.

"I think I will fight at least once again, but it has to make sense - dollars and cents," he said.

Johnson admitted that following years of being denied by ring judges, largely because he has always been willing to fight away from his present home in Florida - hence the nickname "Road Warrior" - boxing has slipped on his list of priorities, overtaken by family and business commitments.

Boxing is secondary

"Boxing is secondary right now," the 37-year-old Clarendon-born fighter said. "Before it was first."

Johnson has been frustrated by what he terms the politics of boxing, where a fighter's popularity takes precedence over accomplishments in the ring. His unwavering identification with Jamaica throughout his career may have also hurt his quest for bigger prize money and fame.

"In boxing, we (Jamaicans) are all at a disadvantage because Jamaica is not a big boxing community," he explained. "Guys from those other communities - like the U.S. and U.K. - get the large support. We Jamaican fighters don't get the same support."

The lack of fan backing means less demand for Johnson's fights on television networks, which pay fighters to broadcast bouts. The more well known the boxer, the larger purses he can demand.

"We all know the fight game is not fair," Johnson said. "It is not the matter of who is the best fighter, but who is the best known fighter...it's the bigger draw for T.V. ratings."

The loss to Woods, who Johnson had drawn with and beaten in previous bouts, dropped the Jamaican's ring record to 44 wins, 11 losses and two draws. It may have also taken the "Road Warrior's" will to fight on.

"I feel like hanging it up," he said. "I don't feel appreciated in this game. I'm not getting the money. I fought my way to the top and still I don't feel appreciated."

Gordon Williams is a Jamaican journalist based in the United States.