CARIBBEAN TODAY LW-S^^ caribbeantoday Caribbean American boxer loses unanimous decision, world title hopes GORDON WILLIAMS HARTFORD, Connecticut - A Caribbean American's dream of returning to the pin- nacle of boxing took a big hit here last month. Jamaican-born Glen Johnson, a resident of Miami, Florida, was defeated by Chad Dawson and in the process lost the chance to claim the American's International Boxing Organization (IBO) title, plus the interim World Boxing Council (WBC) belt in the light heavyweight division. It was the second time in 18 months that Johnson found himself on the wrong side of a unanimous decision to Dawson. The two fought for Dawson's WBC title in April 2008 in Tampa, Florida. Last month's defeat, however, threatened to spell the end of the chase for a world title for the aging former champion known as the "Road Warrior". "You know, he's 40 years old, still beats most guys," said Leon Margules of Seminole Warriors Boxing, which pro- motes some of Johnson's fights. "On the other hand, I don't know if he has the speed to beat a young, quick guy." It was Dawson's speed of hands, feet and mind that caused Johnson's downfall in their 12-round contest at the XL Center on Nov. 7. The American constantly slipped out of the Jamaican's reach, keeping him at bay with sharp jabs. (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18) when India's Farokh Engineer was inducted, alongside locals Lesly Lowe, Austin Hutchinson, Lloyd George Dixon and Joslyn Chance Sr. The majority of the inter- national inductees are from the Caribbean. "We justify it by saying that the era those guys played in, they were considered champions or number one performers at the time," said Chambers. Johnson, left, and Dawson square off at the weigh-in before last month's fight. "He was getting away from me," Johnson said while in his dressing room immedi- ately after the bout. "He fought a good fight. He fought the way how he can be most successful." That also included clever- ly avoiding a brawl, which got him hurt in the first fight. "I didn't want to go through hell again," Dawson admitted. "I used my jab, I used my speed, outclassed him," he added. "I made him miss. He was too slow." The judges agreed. Two According to the director, the CHF offers a fitting salute to their efforts. "What we do is give the players one last hurrah," said Chambers. "They come to the end of their playing career and they can now carry their induction honor into the hall of fame to their graves." Gordon Williams is Caribbean Today's managing editor. 0 The West Indies slumped to an "embarrassing" innings and 65 runs defeat to Australia in the first match in a three Test cricket series Down Under last month, despite a brilliant century from teenaged Trinidadian Adrian Barath. Barath, 19 and making his Test debut, became the youngest West Indian to score a hundred after he blasted 104 runs in the second innings at The Gabba. Australia batted first and - Photo scored it 115 to 113 in Dawson's favor. The third had the American ahead by a wider margin, 117 to 111. CompuBox, which tracked the punches thrown in the fight, also gave Dawson a signifi- cant edge. The American threw more punches (756 to 688) and landed more (246 to 167), including jabs (104 to 77) and power shots (142 to 90). Johnson, who before the fight believed that he needed to knock out the undefeat- ed Dawson (29- 0) to win in the American's home state, conceded graph by Gordon Williams that, unlike the controversial first fight, the judges' decision in the rematch didn't warrant much complaint. "When it's that close it's scored 408 for eight wickets declared. The visitors replied with 228 all out, fuelled by half centuries from Guyana's Travis Dowlin (62) and vice- captain Dinesh Ramdin (54). Forced to follow-on, the West Indies was bowled out for 187. The visitors lost 15 wickets for 280 runs in 76.1 overs on the final day of the match. West Indies captain Chris Gayle called the loss "downright embarrassing. The West Indies will face Australia in two more Test not gonna go in our favor," he said. "So, it is what it is." Johnson, whose record dropped to 49 wins, 13 losses and two draws, said he is still willing to continue his ring career and might move up to cruiserweight, the 200-pound division. However, his chances of getting another world title shot grew decidedly slimmer following last month's loss. According to Margules, who called Johnson a sIILIrjg.iuiiL warrior," it will be "a long road back" for the fighter. "He'd have to do some- thing dramatic to get a big fight," the promoter said. However, based on the Jamaican's trademark deter- mination, he also refused to totally rule out Johnson's chances. "You never know," said Margules. "It's up to him." Gordon Williams is Caribbean Today's managing editor. 0 matches this month, followed by several limited overs games. James Palmer /" , ';,.i lf,.t, n1,,, 1/ (. ,,inner Lunch Buffet from 11:30am 2:00pm Honday-Friday Closed on Sunday See us for all your catering needs. 19501 NE 10th Avenue Miami, FL 33179 305.655.1822 www.palmeriteakhouse.com E ... ake your final EinS ai mcovann ancial vision a reality a^ CLORVSTA :*RNHTD Minimum deposit J$25,000 ad tt" Deposit a lump sum of up lto 11 Earn atractve TAX FREE Intret on fund held for 5 years Interest calculated daily to maximize your returns Access up to 75% of the Interest earned each year VICTORIA T * Conditions apply Flrfndl Ripresenalvue Office County Square Shoppg Center 21461 NW 2nd Avenue Miani Gardens. FL 33169 Tel: 305-770-2622 /2643/ 2654 Toll-Free (l. I-877-MO-VMBS (8627) TleCn (JA). 1-866-967-VMBS(8627) Fax: 305.770-2656 Emil marmgenmOwnbcom WfOI www.vnmbLcom SPORT Windies suffer 'embarrassing' loss Cricket Hall of Fame brings back memories of Caribbean legends INTERNATIONAL SHIPPERS & MOVERS INC. Forwarders Consolidators Import & Export Services JOHN A. CLEMETSON 6921 N.W. 87TH Avenue DIRECTOR. NOTARY PUBLIC Miami, Florida 33178 Tel: (786)336-0644 Fax: (786)336-0664 supremintern342(Wbellsouth.net December 2009