I know this thread has sort of be done to death at one time or another. But still, its a very interesting division historically for me. So I'm putting a slightly different emphasis on it, although feel free to impart your wisdom on the wider division as a whole. Where do you rank Harold Johnson H2H and altogether as an all-time great light heavyweight? Is there a large disparity between your rankings for H2H and achievement, thats what I'd like to know too. I think the guy is hugely underrated, fighting in perhaps the toughest era in history and competing solidly and achieving a number of top notch wins. And some top notch losses at that. I mean in some sense the era makes him, but in another he seems to be overshadowed by such luminaries as Ezzard Charles (alright past prime) and Archie Moore. Although taking a dive never enhances perceptions. On film we can certainly see that he deserves to be considered very highly, possessing a pretty faultless textbook technique. A ram rod left jab, pinpoint right hand, considered defensive poise and ring instincts backed up by Adonis like physicality. There is no doubt he would be a force in any era in history. Somebody we should talk about more often perhaps? [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7qFsEmK1gE[/ame] And seriously WTF, he's built like a tank! This content is protected
Yes but also fallible in the chin department. There are as many guys I'd pick to stop him as there are great fighters he could easily outmanouver. Moore clearly got the better of him in their series, but that's precisely why he is given credit as arguably one of the top two or three in the division's history. Johnson had to be cracked hard, but he could be. By the same measure, he beat some heavy punchers as well (Satterfield for example), so he's not the kinda' guy you'd totally discount either. Essentially he's fair game against most (but definitely not Foster, who I'd pick to level Johnson whenever) Certainly a great light heavy and a beautiful boxer, who also has to be commended for taking on, and beating, much bigger opponents as well. An 'all time great' for sure, and deserves some real P4P kudos, especially considering he took on/beat some great P4Pers himself (Moore, Lytell, Charles, Bivins) This is the one [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGEaBuH5ywY&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PLE0F3FD043F3B291D[/ame] [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfmQVRI4GNQ&feature=related[/ame] [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8B4my8jktmE&feature=related[/ame] [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctIp7uLTwr4&feature=related[/ame] But then, this kinda' **** could happen, so I could easily envisage say, Saad, sparking him as much as I could see Johnson doing better than Conteh and winning a decision. We have footage of Burley easily outboxing Smith, who was indeed a big, dangerous guy. But this goes to show that even with his capabilities, Johnson isn't one of those lock on H2H forces that will always stick and move to his optimum. Also, there' a few fights I'm hazy on as to whether he was diving or not. [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIgUmCb5Td4&feature=related[/ame] Another one of the great jabbers and light heavys cum small heavyweights of that era. Worth persevering with. [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow0ipaig94I[/ame] [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfYf6WFv8-k&feature=related[/ame] [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gB8ZABZ_Cs&feature=related[/ame] [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qkaj7QP-2fI&feature=related[/ame]
Too close to call. More greats from the Charles era, but I prefer the late 70s/early 80s. Saad is my fave But also, Conteh.
Joker? I agree, certainly got levelled against Oakland from film. But he also took a dive for one stoppage. Stopped against Walcott, not exactly shame there. Then stoppages right at the end of his career and at the end of a fight against a great fighter. Fallible chin yes - particularly vulnerable I wouldn't say so. Agree Foster spanks him but he spanks most in truth. My main issue is I don't think he gets much cred compared to Moore and Ezzard who are drooled over. He's not that level but clearly wasn't a long way off, evidently. Realised this post is Flint like, not intentional I assure you.
Joker: because you were AWOL for much of the day :good Agree with your point; he's not too far off, no.