Equally showcasing his brawling and boxing skills, Carl Froch (28-1, 20 KOs) retained his WBC super-middleweight title with an intensely fought majority decision win over Glen Johnson (51-15-2, 35 KOs).
In the first three rounds, Johnson made good on his promise to put steady pressure on Froch. The Road Warrior closed the gap quickly as Froch back-pedaled and sought to keep Johnson at the end of his jab. Although the rounds were close, Froch looked visibly uncomfortable with Johnson’s pressure and received several clean right hands for his trouble.
Froch began to take clear control of the fight in the fourth as Johnson’s pressure waned. The English champion kept Johnson lunging and timed him with straight rights. Johnson, perhaps in an effort to preserve stamina, did not exert the foot speed needed to make the fight an in-close battle. The 42-year-old veteran would sparingly land audibly loud hard right hands throughout the middle rounds. Each time, Froch would fire back with 5-6 punch combinations to prevent Johnson from capitalizing and turning the tide.
Round eight would be Johnson’s best. The pace had sapped Froch’s stamina enough to be stationary for a Johnson overhand right followed by a double left hook. In spite of the heavy fire coming his way, Froch remained composed, clinching and backpedaling whenever he needed a prolonged breather. Johnson could only launch his offense in spurts and failed to press the attack in the round’s closing minute.
Johnson’s big eighth couldn’t be carried over in the ninth nor the championship rounds. Froch regained control by keeping Johnson off-balance with movement and quick 4-5 punch combinations. The Road Warrior was again regulated to following Froch around and hoping for Hail Mary shots. A noted moment came in the 11th when Froch abandoned his backpedaling and began moving forward. He closed the round by driving Johnson into the ropes with power shots. The 12th followed the same script, and a sly grin could be seen on Froch’s face as he did a clumsy imitation of Jersey Joe Walcott’s shuffle.
Froch clear victory was evident on all (117-111, 116-112) but one scorecard which dubiously had the fight a draw (114-114). Nonetheless, Froch has nothing but respectful words for Johnson’s effort.
“You’re a real athlete!” Froch told Johnson before shaking his hand. On the old pro’s durability, Froch had an apt description.
“”If you can imagine sparring an oak tree…What a tough, strong, durable man,” Froch explained to Showtime commentator Jim Gray.
Froch moves on to the Super Six finals to face undefeated Andre Ward. Of the tournament’s original six two years ago, three had pulled out due to injury.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 
Tough fight for Froch, looked good with his combos, He would take one big punch but come back with 6 of his own… Wish He would Be more humble though… Credit to Johnson He gave A good account of himself…