Johnson angry over rematch

MIAMI, Florida (CMC):

Jamaica's former world light heavyweight boxing champion, Glen Johnson, is furious that current International Boxing Federation (IBF) champion Chad Dawson has agreed to meet fellow American Antonio Tarver in a rematch.

Dawson and Tarver are set to clash on March 14 in a rematch but Johnson is angry that Dawson is not fighting him instead.

A disgrace

"This is a disgrace to the sport," said Johnson, who is arguably the most avoided man in boxing.

In a Fightnews web site story last weekend, Johnson lashed out at HBO for agreeing to the contest.

"They agree to put on a rematch of a fight that wasn't even competitive the first time. It boggles my mind, especially when the only true rematch at 175 pounds is between Dawson and myself.

"This type of worthless rematch robs the fans and is bad for the sport. Whoever at HBO decided to purchase this fight, should be embarrassed," added Johnson.

In the Dawson/Tarver bout in October, the unbeaten Dawson knocked Tarver down on the way to a lopsided 118-109, 117-110, 117-110 points victory.

When Johnson met Dawson in April, all three judges gave the American an unpopular points decision victory by 116-112, which brought boos from the fans at St Pete Times Forum in Tampa.