‘Unofficial’ champion Johnson stays modest after win over Tarver

JAMAICAN journeyman Glen Johnson refused to proclaim himself the best light-heavyweight in the world despite beating Antonio Tarver via split decision to become ‘unofficial’ champion.

Both fighters relinquished their ‘alphabet’ WBC and IBF titles to make the long-awaited fight happen, and Johnson ground out the win against fellow Roy Jones-conqueror Tarver at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles.

The Miami-based 35-year-old had won on points in only one of his previous 15 bouts and admitted the wait for a decision was a frantic one.