Battle of the turn of the century heavies: Johnson vs Lewis

https://www.boxingforum24.com/threads/jack-johnson-v-lennox-lewis.339458/

 

johnon has no chance of victory, Lewis absolutely obliterates him in round 1

 

Besides an old Jim Jeffries, who was the biggest legit opponent prime Johnson ever fought? (exclude Willard also)

 

Lewis smashes him up.

Let's be realistic for a second.

Lewis is the real giant, he has about 5 inches in height and 35lb in weight on him. He's superior in pretty much every department except (arguably) inside mauling and chin. OK, wait, JJ probably has much better stamina, depending on the length of the fight. But it wouldn't go too far.

Granted JJ was old vs Willard, but Willard's size was very problematic for Johnson. Add Lewis' elite skills to that size, and frankly, I can't see how Johnson wins.

 

I rate Johnson a long way above Lewis overall, but head to head, I can't see Johnson being able to hold down the arms, and spoil the work of Lewis (although JJ did appear freakishly strong). I don't know exactly how this fight would end, but I am confident that Lewis would win one way or another.

 

This is a mismatch.

6'5" 84" reach 245-250 pounds vs 6' 190-210 with a 74" reach.

Johnson's best win might be vs Tommy Burns, who was under 5'8" tall and weighted 168 pounds.

Lewis wins rather easily. If you going to match boxers per 1960 vs modern skilled super heavies, the old timer better have a big punch and a top chin. Johnson had neither.

 

This isn't so much a size battle to me because history has shown size can be overcome. This is more of a technique issue. Johnson fought off his back foot with defense the first thing on his mind catching and blocking with his gloves and arms then clinching tying up and launching the uppercut while holding u most of the time. His hook was a wide swing so take that out of the equasion.
Facing him is a man who has all the technique down to a science and hits a hell of alot harder.
Lewis destroys him.

 

Johnson at his best wins a UD with his speed, counters, volume punching, distance control, and overall IQ.

 

Likely Lewis, but Johnson would do better than people are saying.

 

A wise man.

 

I wouldn't call Johnson a volume puncher by any means.

 

Against SHW giants he seems to be.

https://streamable.com/16kw9