Boxers Antonio Tarver and Glen Johnson have decided to relinquish their championship belts in order to face each other in a bout to determine the top fighter at 175-pounds. The fight will take place on December 18 at Staples Center.

Tarver knocked out Roy Jones Jr. in May and holds the WBC 175-pound title, while Johnson stunned Jones in September to retain the IBF light heavyweight belt. Johnson, a native of Jamaica, captured the title with a unanimous decision over Clinton Woods in February of 2004.

The promoters for both fighters (Star Boxing and Goossen Tutor Promotions) tried vigorously to find a way for both champions to maintain their belts for the fight, but in the end, the only viable option for the futures of both Tarver and Johnson was to have both men turn in their respective titles.

 

Tarver will bring a record of 22-2, including 18 knockouts, into the bout, while Johnson will enter the ring with a mark of 41-9-2, including 28 KOs.

 

Courtesy of SportsNetwork