Tony Johnson def. Alton Cunningham via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Tony Johnson was largely controlled by Alton Cunningham in their light heavyweight bout, but a strong start and some clean close-range shots allowed Johnson to leave Las Vegas with a three-round unanimous decision win.
Scores were 29-28 across the board for Johnson, now 8-2. Cunningham falls to 7-2.
A right hand by Johnson in the opening seconds rocked Cunningham, and a follow-up flying knee nearly ended matters, but the Milwaukee product was able to get his head clear. Cunningham opted to implement his grappling attack in response. With three minutes left, the two separated briefly before Cunningham bulled Johnson to the fence again, and after a spell there, they broke and exchanged blows before going back to the clinch.
Cunningham went back to his corner with a knot over his right eye, but the Octagonside physician let the bout continue and “The Bo-Man” returned to his clinch work. When Johnson got some daylight he let his hands go, but those opportunities were few and far between. With 90 seconds gone, referee Jason Herzog restarted the action but Cunningham returned to the same position as the two were waved together. With a minute left, Cunningham put Johnson on the mat, but the former pro boxer was upright immediately.
Cunningham opened the final round with a pair of takedowns, and the second time he was able to keep Johnson grounded until three minutes remained in the fight. Then it was back against the fence until Herzog restarted the fight with a minute left, and while Johnson tried to find punching room, Cunningham wasn’t giving it to him.
