Staples to Stage Tarver-Johnson

When Antonio Tarver knocked out Roy Jones in the second round of their match in May, it was electrifying, but not totally unfathomable. Tarver had previously lost to Jones, but it was on a close, controversial majority decision that left Jones with a battered face.

When Glen Johnson knocked out Jones in the ninth round four months later, it was downright shocking. The man formerly known as the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter pounded to the canvas by an opponent with nine losses?

On Dec. 18, Tarver and Johnson will meet in Staples Center to decided who deserves to inherit Jones’ title of best light-heavyweight in the world.

It’s the only title expected to be on the line that night. Although Tarver is the World Boxing Council champion and Johnson holds the International Boxing Federation title, neither organization has been willing to sanction the bout because neither fighter is facing his mandatory challenger. Paul Briggs is ranked No. 1 by the WBC, Rico Hoye by the IBF.

“This is the fight everybody has been hoping would happen,” said Joe DeGuardia, co-promoter of the Staples event. “This is the most compelling fight out there.”

When Jones nearly lost to Tarver (22-2, 18 knockouts) in the first fight, Jones dismissed it as a fluke because he had to lose about 25 pounds after going up to heavyweight to face John Ruiz.

But there were no excuses in the rematch. Nearly two minutes into the second round, Jones threw a right hand that Tarver blocked. Tarver countered by landing only his seventh punch, an overhand left that sent Jones down and out.

Then came Johnson (41-9-2, 28), whose biggest previous claim to fame had been getting into the ring with Bernard Hopkins in 1997. The results were predictable, Hopkins winning by knockout in the 11th round.

Johnson has also lost, among others, to Joseph Kiwanuka, Silvio Branco and Omar Sheika, none of whom would generate a hint of recognition to any but the most devoted boxing fans.