Johnson overcomes tall order, beats Tarver in split decision

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Glen Johnson knows what it's like to put his fate in the hands of boxing judges and have decisions go against him.
So, he was prepared for the worst Saturday night.
He got the best.
Johnson, a virtual unknown until knocking out Roy Jones Jr. three months ago, won a split decision over Antonio Tarver in a matchup of the world's best light heavyweights.
"My heart was beating real fast," he said with a smile when asked if he was concerned about the outcome. "I came out ahead, which doesn't happen too often. I'm just thankful."
A close decision
The Staples Center crowd cheered throughout the final round, and when it ended, both fighters thrust their fists into the air, proclaiming victory.
The winner proved to be Johnson, who overcame Tarver's 4-inch height advantage to win, mainly by being the aggressor through most of the 12-round bout.
The 35-year-old Johnson raised his record to 42-9-2 with 28 knockouts. He didn't begin to box until he was 20, and turned professional three years later.
Johnson won his first 32 professional fights but was 9-9-2 in his most recent 20 before Saturday night. He thought he won many of those that he lost, but the judges involved ruled otherwise.
"I fought my best fight; the outcome is what it is," he said.
Judges Melvina Lathan and Chuck Giampa scored the bout 115-113 in favor of Johnson. Judge Marty Denkin had it 116-112 for Tarver. The Associated Press scored it 115-113 for Tarver.
The 6-foot-21/2 Tarver, a solid favorite, said he thought he won by dictating the pace and throwing the harder punches.
"It could have gone either way. I closed strong," Tarver said.
Lathan and Giampa didn't think so, with each giving Johnson the final three rounds.
"Best weapon" taken away
Tarver, a southpaw, said he injured his left hand when he hit Johnson in the fourth or fifth round.
"My best weapon was taken away from me," he said. "That's boxing. It's a tough sport, man. We both fought like warriors. We prepared for the best Glen Johnson. He's proven to be a worthy champion. Tonight's his night.
"We'll be back. That's the mark of a champion -- if you can come back from defeat. We all know I can. Congratulations to Glen."
Johnson refused to say he was the best light heavyweight in the world.
"I'm still looking for Mr. Best. I would never say that I was the best," he said. "I'll let other people make up their minds as to who's the best."
He also said Tarver didn't hurt him.
"He knocked me off balance a couple times, but I was never hurt," Johnson said. "It was a real close fight."
Tarver said afterward he wanted a rematch. Johnson said that was fine with him.
"I'll fight Antonio Tarver any time, anywhere," Johnson said. "If you look at my history, I never back down from any challenges."