By Sam Geraci
43-year-old former world champion Glen Johnson (51-17-2, 35 KOs) is ready to call it a career. The longtime veteran who holds wins over Roy Jones Jr. and Antonio Tarver, lost a clear ten round unanimous decision to “Polish Prince” Andrzej Fonfara (22-2, 12 KOs) at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago. The scores were 97-93, 99-91 and 97-93. Afterwards, Johnson said the ESPN televised loss was his final appearance in the ring as a fighter.
SG: What did you think?
Glenn Johnson: Fonfara is better.
SG: Better tonight?
Glen Johnson: Better because tonight is my last night.
SG: Congrats and thank you for the last fifteen years. What was missing tonight?
Glen Johnson: I needed to be more steady and apply more pressure and I couldn’t. He’s a strong kid and I just couldn’t do it. If I can’t do it the right way and the way I should be able to I’m not going to do it anymore.
SG: How good is this kid Fonfara?
Glen Johnson: He’s pretty good and he can hit and take a punch. He could use a little work on defense but I think he’s good.
SG: Can he fight the top guys at 168? [Editors note: Fonfara now campaigns full-time at light heavyweight]
Glen Johnson: I like to think that I only lose to the best fighters out there. And, unless I’ve fallen that much, I think he’s pretty good.
SG: Again, thank you for all of the memories and for the last fifteen years. Future hall of famer Glen Johnson for all of the right reasons.