Mark Johnson vs Masao Ohba @ Flyweight

Ohba by decision. He is much more proven as a fighter and his jab would take the bout. Close and entertaining.

Johnson never fought someone near Ohbas skill and class. Not the same in Ohbas case.

 

I think Johnson would take a close decision

 

Too Sharp close by clear. Great matchup though

 

Interesting what Ohba fights do you recommend I watch?

 

Watch the Chionoi bout and Betulio Gonzalez bout. You won't be disappointed.

Also watch the Hanagata bout. There is quite a bit of film on Ohba I think.

 

Is Masoa Obba vs Susumu Hanagata kicking around online already?

 

Ohba and his gorgeous jab would bedevil Johnson en route to a clear decision. Ohba was a world-class operator and had the heart and skills to give any flyweight hell imo. I think Ohba would too versatile and a bit too experienced for Johnson at 112.

 

Johnson did prove his toughness and heart when past prime against the much bigger Marquez (as well as reveal some weaknesses), but it's hard to favour someone who was only able to fight such uninspiring comp in their prime. Too many unknowns.

tbf, I don't recall Johnson struggling much in any of those fights (my memory is pretty hazy on some of his decisions) and Ohba did show enough gaps in his own armour that I wouldn't necessarily bet a huge amount of money on it, but I think Johnson's tendency to showboat defensively and look to sharpshoot ideal counters would not be ideal against a gritty, high workrate master jabber like Ohba.

 

Ohba did take a close(and could've gone either way) decision vs a defensive master like Betulio Gonzalez,sure Mark had the heart to fight Marquez even past his prime,but again Ohba is no Marquez, he's just your flyweight Harada.

 

Ohba by SD.

 

First of all Johnson is MUCH faster then Ohba.
Second of all Johnson is a,southpaw and yes that will impact Ohba's jab. See Saldivar vs Winstone for proof.
Third Johnson could box very good and since he is much faster with his footwork this is going to cause problems.

 

Mixed honestly, I'd have to go with Too Sharp on this. I think his speed and punch accuracy was solid on top of him being one of the better defensive boxers at the divisions history. Although Johnson didn't face the best opposition, I do think he was a proven enough boxer throughout his career to justify him winning this. If Ohba could have lost the bout against Betulio Gonzalez, I think Johnson would win.

 

Agreed.

I said on the Johnson vs Michael Nunn thread that I like Too Sharp, but he's overrated.

Ohba was a higher class.