By Dean Parr

Last Friday night, New York's Yusaf Mack, 28-3-2 (17 KOs), was stopped after 2:21 of the sixth round by veteran Glen Johnson, now 50-13-2 (34 early), after hitting the canvas three times.  Mack's trainer, John Tandy caught up with BoxingScene.com to discuss the bout and the future of his fighter.

“We are very disappointed with the result,” the Talon Boxing head coach confirmed.  “Yusaf tore a tendon and a muscle in his left shoulder in the second round, and our game plan going into the fight was to box and move.  However, Yusaf couldn't keep Glen off without being able to use the jab, and he got drawn into a close in fight, which isn't what we wanted.”

He continued: “The combination of the pain from his shoulder, Johnson's constant pressure and the heavy shots Yusaf was taking took their toll, and as a last ditch attempt to stay in the fight, Yusaf turned southpaw in the sixth round.

“Unfortunately, though, against Johnson, who has fought nothing but southpaws, that was a big mistake and Glen opened up with the right hands that ended the fight.  To be honest though, after the third round I knew we were in trouble unless he could do the impossible and stop Johnson - you can't beat that guy one armed.”

Given the circumstances, however, Tandy lauded Mack's performance.  “He did well for the first two rounds, then as I said, the game plan went out the window and he got drawn into the wrong fight,” Tandy admitted.

“He showed heart to stand and trade, but you can't do that with Johnson - no one has ever lasted fighting him like that.  Johnson was as I expected.  He could be outboxed, but he is strong and keeps coming all day.”

This loss has put Mack back down the ladder several rungs, although in spite of this, his trainer is optimistic regarding his charge’s future.  “Yusaf has all the ability in the world,” the Londoner beamed.  “This was his chance to show the world what he could do, but he was unlucky and got injured.”

“The biggest disappointment for us”, he continued, “was that the world probably thinks he gassed out again; that's what hurts the most.  He proved against Chris Henry he is not that guy anymore.  He has got to get surgery on the shoulder, and then we can see where we go.  Other guys get much easier routes to the title.  I think Yusaf has what it takes to win a title - after all, Johnson didn't get there until his 51st fight.  We have time.”

As a concluding message to Mack and his loyal supporters, John said: “Yusaf feels he has let everybody down, but all greats lose, it's how they come back from the losses that make them great - just look at Glen Johnson.  It has been a tough start to the year, but we will all bounce back stronger.  Personally, I feel like I have lost myself when my fighters lose.  I put blood sweat and tears into my guys, but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.”

Tandy also revealed the next big date on his personal agenda.  “We have Canadian light middleweight champion Kris Andrews out next month.  He is 154lbs and 6'3".  We are just waiting confirmation on the details,” revealed Tandy