LOS ANGELES - Glen Johnson, a virtual unknown until knocking out Roy Jones Jr. three months ago, won a split decision over Tampa's Antonio Tarver on Saturday night in a matchup of the world's best light heavyweights.
The Staples Center crowd cheered throughout the final round, and when it ended, both fighters thrust their fists in 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. 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.
"I thought I hit him with some clean shots and hurt him around the fourth or fifth round," he said. "But Johnson was the better man."
Johnson refused to say he was the world's best light heavyweight. "I'm still looking for Mr. Best. I would never say that I was the best," he said.
Johnson 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. I'd like to fight him again."
When asked if he would take a rematch, Tarver replied: "Of course."
Tarver lost a controversial 12-round decision to Jones in November 2003 before stopping him in the second round May 15. Johnson knocked Jones out in the ninth round Sept. 25.
Both fighters gave up championships for the fight. The WBC stripped Tarver of his belt for not agreeing to fight mandatory challenger Paul Briggs of Australia. Johnson relinquished the IBF version instead of fighting the organization's top challenger, Rico Hoye.
Nevertheless, Tarver entered the ring wearing a red crown.
Jones was 49-1 and considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world before losing to Tarver. Jones worked as a commentator on the HBO telecast of the bout and said afterward he thought Tarver won.
The 35-year-old Johnson raised his record to 42-9-2 with 28 knockouts. Tarver, 36, is 22-3 with 18 knockouts.
Olympic gold medalist Andre Ward, 20, of Oakland, Calif., made a successful professional debut on the undercard, stopping Christopher Molina of Odessa, Tex., at 40 seconds of the second round. The bout was scheduled for four rounds.
WBC BOUT: Challenger Isaac Bustos of Mexico defeated Japan's Eagle Kyowa to capture the strawweight title in Tokyo. Bustos won when Kyowa was unable to continue because of an injured right shoulder 39 seconds into the fourth round.
