Montiel-Johnson: The old pro vs. the young phenom
By Nel Kapin.
TIn the main event-Marquez vs Licona.
On August 16th the undercard featuring the unbeaten Fernando Montiel
faces the sternest test of his career against Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson.
This bout is the co-feature to the featherweight battle between
Juan Manuel Marquez and Marcos Licona.
The original opponent for Marquez, the WBA Champion Derrick ''Smoke'' Gainer tore a pectoral muscle and had to pull out of the fight vs Marquez, thus the tough nosed Marcos Licona steps in.
Both Montiel and Johnson have held titles in the flyweight and super flyweight divisions and both are excellent offensive fighters with power and boxing ability.
Realistically Johnson was unbeaten for the first twelve years of his
career, and finally suffered his first and only legitimate loss last
year in the rematch to the much bigger Marquez. As a man who was largely
avoided by the top name fighters in his prime Johnson finds it ironic
that he is now able to get higher profile bouts as he nears the end
of his career.
“When you talk about retirement, that’s when your name gets
called a lot,” observed the 31 year old former champion from Washington
D.C.
For years a showdown with fellow champion Johnny Tapia seemed inevitable
as a dream fight for boxing fans. Unfortunately for Johnson he was too
dangerous for his own good. Tapia’s wife and manager Theresa later
admitted that the risk of facing the hard-hitting southpaw was not worth
the financial reward, and Johnson missed out on the opportunity for
a defining fight.
Most sources in D.C. say that Johnson has become more focused since
his losses to Marquez at bantamweight, and that he has put his partying
life style on the backburner so he can make one last run at glory in
the super flyweight division. Originally this bout was planned as the
headliner for a March Pay per view but Montiel explained that he hurt
his left hand in a January bout and was not given sufficient notice
to prepare, which temporarily scrapped the fight. Johnson is skeptical
of the injury although he feels the delay could benefit him anyhow.
“I was in great shape for that fight (in March) but he came up with a hand injury, that’s what they say,” said Johnson who also mentioned Montiel’s promotional problems as a possible reason for the fight falling through at that date. “The best thing was that I was able to get a tune up June 28th against Ricardo Medina.”
A move back down in weight was definitely in order for the diminutive Johnson who still managed to take Rafael Marquez to hell and back in their first encounter despite being at a substantial size disadvantage. “I was at a disadvantage at 118 fighting one of the best and strongest bantamweights,” admitted Johnson.
“I definitely think Marc Johnson was fighting at a disadvantage,” agreed Montiel when asked about the Marquez-Johnson fights, “Marc was King at 112 and 115 pounds, there will be no advantages for either of us at 115.”
Though respectful of his opponent, Montiel expects to win by knockout and make a statement to the entire boxing world. “This is a measuring stick for where I am in my career,” said the WBO champion, “This is the defining fight of my career, Marc Johnson will not be the guy to derail my career. As the rounds progress I will be able to decipher his style and knock him out.”
“Montiel is a great boxer, I haven’t seen any Mexican fighters who move and box as him,” said Johnson who was quick to reciprocate the respect and praise his opponent showed him. “But I’m definitely stronger and a bigger puncher.”
Johnson has began working with a physical trainer for this fight and feels his changes in diet will help him to make be better prepared. Despite the fact that he’s only won one of his last three fights people would be making a mistake by writing off Johnson as a shot fighter. His performance in the first Marquez fight may turn out to be one of the more respected fights of his career in retrospect. Johnson controlled the action and won at least six rounds in my opinion to win a close decision. Questionable point deductions cost Johnson the fight.
After decisively knocking out Johnson in the rematch, Marquez marked his territory as the top bantamweight in the world with a knockout victory over long reigning champion Tim Austin. Johnson was far from surprised with the result of that fight.
“I wasn’t really surprised, I know this guy can punch and he has a good right hand,” said Johnson. “His chin isn’t that good so I thought Tim could catch him early.”
Even in his more elusive days, Johnson was a fighter who liked to give the crowd a show by slugging it out at times. Before he had fifteen fights under his belt he fought Alberto “Raton” Jiminez in one of the truly great under rated action fights of the nineties. The first Marquez-Johnson fight was also a tremendous war, and Montiel certainly has the ability to force Johnson into a war also. Be sure to tune in on Saturday to see which prevails, youth or experience.
2003 boxingladiators.com