Kirk Johnson vs. Al Cole (1st meeting)

Alfred Cole 226 lbs drew with Kirk Johnson 226 lbs by MD in round 10 of 10

• Date: 1998-12-08
• Location: Roseland Ballroom, New York, New York, USA
• Referee: Wayne Kelly
• Judge: Melvina Lathan 94-94
• Judge: Steve Weisfeld 94-94
• Judge: Joe Dwyer 94-93

Summary

Johnson pressed behind his jab, stepping in with power shots to the head and body. The longer Cole used his jab, and occasionally timed right hands over Johnson's lowered left hand. Johnson landed the cleaner shots with his quicker hands, but Cole had moments when Johnson traded inside with him.

Notes

• Cole credited with a knockdown of Johnson early in round 1, although replays indicate no punch actually landed. Johnson came back later in that round with a right hand that buckled Cole's legs, which almost put him down.
• Johnson was given a stern warning from referee Wayne Kelley in round 2 for a low blow, and was penalized one point for the same infraction in rounds 5, 7, and 10.
• Johnson appeared to be stunned in round 3 by a overhand right, and wobbled in round 10 by a left jab.
• The televised punch stats were as follows: Johnson 146/450, Cole 129/407