The year of 2008 has been a very intriguing one for the sport of boxing as fight fans have witnessed the strong emergence of a few new faces, paralleled by the sudden and rapid decline of a couple familiar ones. Despite the ever changing landscape of the sport, there's one perennial figure who refuses to be part of that changing process, and has openly welcomed any potential opponent that dare try to change that.
Some view this perennial figure as a gentleman, others as a warrior, but after spending 20 minutes gauging his thoughts on the future, I think before it's all said and done we may all agree to settle on simply labeling him the last man standing.
The perennial figure in question.....None other than light heavyweight Glen Johnson.
The man of few words recently chose to break his silence, but vowed to continue his actions. Here's a few excerpts directly from the mind of one of the sports most intricate figures.......
On why he feels he deserves a showdown with Calzaghe: "I believe it's clearly a fight that I deserve. I've worked hard to build up my reputation and give myself a chance for that opportunity by defeating the same big name he defeated, and adding a few more".
On traveling abroad for a potential showdown with Joe Calzaghe: "Would I travel overseas to face Joe Calzaghe? Man, I'll fight Calzaghe in his living room, his bedroom, his kitchen, on his roof, it doesn't matter to me. Where ever Joe Calzaghe feels comfortable making it happen is where I want the fight to take place".
On who his shortlist contains if the Calzaghe fight doesn't happen: "Calzaghe's my number one choice, but I'll face anyone that wants to fight me. Hopkins, Dawson again; Basically anyone with a great ability, name recognition, and of course an ability to help generate a nice payday as well. I don't think either Tarver or Jones would be in that category to me at this point, even though people continue to call their names. Besides, I've already beaten them so I'd like to take on a new challenge".
After sizing up his potential opposition, Johnson also took a moment out to discuss some from his past, as well as why he's adamant about his future in the sport:
On Roy Jones Jr.: "I'm a fan of Jones for many, many years, and he's a guy that I'd prefer to see walk away still on the top of everyones list as a top fighter of our times. I don't want him to go beyond his time and diminish that, and not be able to represent that legacy he created. He and Holyfield both are two men I'd like to see get the respect and recognition they deserve without diminishing it by going too long".
On why he continues to fight at age 39: "I just competed against the youngest and the strongest guy that the world claims will be the future of the division, and even the blind man saw the easy whipping he got. When you think of all the other names out there that people mention, you have to realize that I'm the only one who's still performing at a peak level and still getting better, so I don't see a need to retire until I'm not able to do so".
Over the course of our 20 minute conversation there were many thoughts that will remain entrenched in the minds of fight fans and opponents, but perhaps none will permeate like those Glen chose to end the conversation with.
Final words to his supporters: "I know that you all want to see the best fights, and I'm prepared to give them to you. I have agreed to go the them, or do whatever's necessary to make the fights happen, so it's the so called best fighters out there who are stopping you from seeing the best fights and choosing to rip you off by facing big names who aren't really able to compete anymore. I hope when you all see those top guys you ask them why aren't they calling my name? Or why aren't they stepping up to the plate to face me? That's what we all need to know".
Final words to is critics: "Anyone who chooses to criticize me needs to ask themselves why they choose to criticize a man who comes to fight in the ring? I make my name in the ring, not by biting anyones ear off, or by being ignorant and disrespecting myself. I'm out here hungry, looking for work like the next man. I don't want to stay unemployed, so criticize these so called champs as well and help me get work"!
As of now, Johnson awaits word on Calzaghe's future in the sport, but whether he's present or conspicuously absent, we now know that Johnson is here to stay.
