Johnson-Tarver

[hardcorecap]

Now, this is not a great fight to bet, as just about anyone will tell you its tough to call. On paper, you would think Taver, as he has a more well rounder skill set, and is a naturally bigger man. But Johnson is a tough guy, and in his prime as well right now, and also won the first fight.

In the first fight, I took Johnson small, but at the last minute. Leading up to it, I was on Tarver, just thought he would overpwoer Johnson. But watching Glen Johnson train for it, I changed my mind. The guy pulled a "Mayorga" against Jones, as he came out and bumrushed Jones for the first 3 minutes, and most people thought, it was amatueurish, and that he just blew his load. Well, in rounds 2, 3 and 4 it continued, as Johnson really didnt let off the gas one bit. Eventually he got the KO.

He basically did the same thing against Tarver, and I had him winning the fight 8-4, but they were all close rounds. What I saw in the fight was Tarvers body language showing something like, man what do I gotta hit this guy with to make him take a step back. Tarver got in some real nice shots, as he is a much more slick fighter than Johnson, But Johnson walked through them and kept throwing hook/uppercut combos all night. Tarver was gassed and looked like a beaten man at the end of the fight. He was walking very slowly back to his corner in the last few rounds.

Bottom line, is both of these guys are tough, but Johnson has a much better chance of a KO here than Tarver does. I actually wouldnt be surprised if Johnson goes for it here, and gets it in the mid rounds. If you like to play the odds, take Johnson, just on the fact that he won the first fight. You can get Glen Johnson right now for probably + 150 or more..... Boxlocks, what do you think here buddy

 

[boxlocks]

I played Johnson by 12 round decision in the first fight, strictly on value. The +700 was way too high to pass up knowing that if Johnson won, thats how it would happen.

For the rematch I already played Tarver -155 and Johnson by decision at +270 as a small hedge. As far as Johnson winning by ko, he goes for it every fight he's in, but it usually doesn't happen (Jones was gone before the fight started)

As tough as Johnson is, I think Tarver can hurt him. According to Tarver he will be much more aggressive in this fight, which is why I like Tarver. Tarver landed the cleaner, harder shots in the first fight, he only "lost" b/c he wasn't as aggressive as Johnson.

Tarver thought he was winning the fight as it went along the first time, this time he will have to wonder if the judges are giving him the close rounds, which should drive him to be more aggressive.

Tarver was also WAY over confident for the first fight. Coming off the quik and easy KO of Jones who we later found out was completely shot, gave him a false sence of dominance. And the long layoff before the Johnson fight didn't help either, esp since he only fought one round beating Jones.

Anyway
Tarver has come back down to earth since then and now he doesn't have a title around his waist, which has to bother him. I think he will be very motivated to prove he deserved the high praise he got after the Jones fight. He will also be fired up to prove Johnson didn't really beat him the first time, that he's the better man, and the best lt hvy.


The only thing that bothers me about playing Tarver here is the hand issue. He claims he hurt it pretty bad in the first fight, I hope its completely healed or Johnson's hard head will aggrivate it for sure.

I've done some looking, but I haven't seen any quotes from Tarver or anyone else concerning the recovery of his hand.


gl bl

 

[SupBro]

Is there a rematch clause in the contract if Tarver wins?

 

[Royler]

I like the Over here, despite the juice.

Tarver has never been KOed, and Johnson has only been dropped by Hopkins. Two tacticial guys butting heads. And if Johnson couldn't KO an ill-prepared Tarver last time around, he won't do it this time.

That said, it's fucking boxing...easily my weakest link. Take my advice at your own peril.