What do you guys make of the tactics and techniques displayed in this clip? :think https://streamable.com/etod
Well, I think it was just a war of attrition that Johnson couldn't win because of his age, his condition, his inactivity, the heat, and Willard's youth and size. Jess was in great shape for that fight, unlike in the debacle against Dempsey.
Seems like a good explanation of the fight's outcome but what do you make of the tactics and techniques shown in the clip?
I see Johnson putting on a great display of his feinting and parries to get Willard to open up. Willard is trying to tame Johnson with his jab, and looks flustered when Johnson throws flurries of punches.
Pretty accurate description. Can't get over how awful Willard looks though. Everything from his stance, his balance when punching, his footwork, how he holds his guard--incredible. Seems like he'd be in a world of trouble against most quality modern heavies. And Johnson's attacking/feinting style doesn't seem like it would fare well at all against big mobile jabbers.
Actually some great defensive boxing shown here. Note how Johnson blocks then parries Willards right hand to the body. Thing of beauty.
It works because of the man he's in there with. Probably wouldn't be a thing of beauty if he were trying to block and parry combinations and jabs from [take your pick of more skilled and coordinated top modern heavyweights]
Johnson was well understood as being a boxing master. His skill level was well understood by the experts of the era. I have watched Johnson since 1970 and find him to be one of the most remarkable fighters ever to hold the championship. An incredible defense.
Wow great reflexes shown by Johnson there. The rush by Johnson at the start of the clips looks clumsy but I guess he's trying to force Willard back. The defensive movement and blocking is state of the art though. Awesome find :good
Very impressive reflexes indeed. Not sure what you mean by "state of the art" though. It would have been much better if he'd stepped in and nailed Willard with hard counters when Willard leaned in with those ridiculous punches. The blocks look cooler though.
Willard wasn't much good at all really. He didn't take up boxing until his late 20s. He was tough though, and tall with a long reach. Ability to absorb punishment and just poke out that left hand can go a long way I guess. But he was lucky to be champion really.