Johnson ... has thrown down the challenge to new WBC light heavyweight title-holder Chad Dawson. - File

HOLLYWOOD, Florida (CMC):

JAMAICA'S FORMER world light heavyweight boxing champion Glen Johnson is issuing a challenge to new World Boxing Council (WBC) title-holder Chad Dawson.

The undefeated 24-year-old American handed Poland's Tomasz Adamek his first defeat in lifting the WBC title in the 175-pound weight division earlier this month, and Johnson wants to be in line for an early shot at the new champion.

"I congratulate Chad Dawson on his victory over Tomasz Adamek, and by the looks of things, he's a real fighter who won't duck any challenges," Johnson declared.

"Of course, having said that, I expect that he would have no problem giving fight fans what they want by meeting me in the ring as soon as he's ready to make his first title defence," Johnson said.

Johnson, a former world Fighter of the Year, his manager Henry Foster, and promoter Leon Margules, were in Kissimmee, Florida, two Saturdays ago to see Dawson lift the belt from Adamek.

Originally from the parish of Clarendon, the Florida-based Johnson is still potent and among the world's best at 38 years old. He has a ring record of 44 wins (29 knockouts) against 11 losses and two draws. Dawson's log is 23-0 (15 knockouts)

Winner of two of his last three bouts, with the only loss coming via a controversial split decision to International Boxing Federation (IBF) champion Clinton Woods in their third fight last September, Johnson is eager to regain a world title label.

2004 was tremendous

He enjoyed a tremendous year in 2004 when he beat Woods, Roy Jones, and Antonio Tarver in successive bouts and was named world Fighter of the Year.

Johnson believes he still has the ability to defeat the division's best including the southpaw (left-handed) Dawson, who is tall at 6-foot-3 inches, strong, and 14 years younger.

"Chad Dawson is the future of this division, but I still believe that I am the present, and I want to show the world that I am still the top light heavyweight in the world by beating a young and skilled champion like Dawson," said Johnson.

Johnson held the IBF belt in 2004 but relinquished the title for a lucrative clash with Tarver.

He won that bout on points but lost the rematch in June 2005 on points.