HOLLYWOOD, FL, April 13 – Former light heavyweight champion Glen Johnson, deep into training camp for his May 16th bout with Montell Griffin at the Seminole Hard Rock Live Arena in Hollywood, had some choice words for promoter Gary Shaw, who recently stated that Johnson would have to “wait his turn” for a shot at his fighter, WBC champion Chad Dawson. A fighter the promoter said “nobody wants to fight.”
“Nobody wants to fight Chad Dawson,” asked Johnson rhetorically. “Well, here I am, ready, willing, and able to step into the ring with him as soon as I get done with my business with Montell Griffin next month.”
Johnson, 2004’s Fighter of The Year and the owner of wins over Roy Jones Jr., Antonio Tarver, and Clinton Woods, has long been respected by fight fans for his no-nonsense style and willingness to fight anyone, anywhere – an attitude that gained him the nickname, ‘The Road Warrior’. The Jamaican native said, “I was at the fight when Dawson won the title and I called him out then. I’m still here ready and more than willing to fight him. I think it’s crazy that Shaw said I need to wait my turn when I have beaten all of the guys that he is talking about.”
“I respect Chad Dawson for his ability and congratulate him on becoming a world champion,” said Johnson. “But to truly earn respect, he has to fight the best. I believe he has the heart to do that, but his promoter apparently doesn’t have the same confidence, since he is saying that I have to wait for my turn to fight him. I’ve earned my shot and on May 16th, I will prove that once again by beating Montell Griffin. Then I hope Gary Shaw will have no more excuses.”
