Tris Dixon GLEN JOHNSON is more than just a light-heavyweight measuring stick. He is still a legitimate threat to anyone who considers themselves world class. He is knocking on at 41 but is fit, strong and seems to have lost none of the stubborn determination that saw him beat the likes of Roy Jones and Antonio Tarver when he enjoyed a golden 2004.
But he was soundly beaten by Chad Dawson in their rematch last year and is expected to lose against Tavoris Cloud this weekend.
?The Road Warrior? will present Cloud with a stiff test but he is not as quick as he was and Cloud looks to be a real force, not as skilful or agile as Dawson but a heavier puncher maybe, more aggressive certainly, and it looks like his youth and desire will win him the day this weekend. Don?t be surprised if Johnson disagrees with the decision, even if he ends up taking a pounding late on.
Matt Christie
AN intriguing match-up and a hard one to call. Tavoris Cloud looked on the brink of something special after he demolished Julio Gonzalez in 2008. In his only fight since he was more dominant than the cards suggested against Clinton Woods.
Even so, the lack of activity could be a problem for the solid hitter, and although a quick stoppage of old warhorse Glen Johnson would do him and the light-heavyweight division the world of good, I just can?t see it.
Tavoris Cloud will want to make a statement, but he could be pushed to the limit just to win. Cloud to emerge victorious on the cards after his toughest contest to date.
Nick Bond
CLOUD?S record suggests he?s a massive puncher and the stoppage of the usually durable Julio Gonzalez was noteworthy, but I see a distance fight against the ancient but incredibly strong Johnson.
The old man?s best chance is to set a pace that Cloud won?t be comfortable with and outwork him over the distance. It is possible, but I think Cloud?s slick enough defensively, jabs very well and his more than respectable power can help him take the spoils in a close, but clear decision.
Danny Flexen
I MUST be the only observer who was relatively unimpressed with Cloud?s showing against Woods. I felt the Floridian was clumsy of foot, hittable and a little one-dimensional. Obviously, there is a plus side and Cloud is an exciting combination puncher with power in both hands.
It?s easy to write Johnson off as one of boxing?s nearly men but he has proved still good enough, even at an advanced age, to deal with the best of the fringe contenders like Daniel Judah and Yusaf Mack. The only boxer to defeat Johnson conclusively in the last five years is the superlative Chad Dawson.
Cloud is no Dawson but the key question is whether he?s better than the likes off Mack and Judah. I think he is but he?s in for a tough night. I go tentatively for Cloud to win a controversial split verdict.
