Dmitry Bivol vs Harold Johnson @ 175

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Flo_Raiden, May 14, 2026.


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  1. Flo_Raiden

    Flo_Raiden Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Any thoughts on this match up for the purists? Two technically supreme boxers with good basic fundamentals, hard jab, solid defense, good counter puncher. How do you see Bivol handling someone like Harold Johnson?

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    Flo_Raiden, May 14, 2026
    Flo_Raiden, May 14, 2026
    #1
  2. robert ungurean

    robert ungurean Богдан Philadelphia Full Member

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    Harold would murder Bivol
     
    robert ungurean, May 14, 2026
    robert ungurean, May 14, 2026
    #2
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  3. Flo_Raiden

    Flo_Raiden Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Beat Bivol perhaps but I wouldn't say it would be a massacre. Bivol is certainly good enough to hold his own.
     
    Flo_Raiden, May 14, 2026
    Flo_Raiden, May 14, 2026
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  4. themaster458

    themaster458 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Bivol wins this on points. His jab is sharper, his footwork cleaner, and his defense is better. He's faster, more disciplined, and refuses to fall into the habit of throwing wide, looping shots that leave him open. The only real edge Johnson has is on the inside but Bivol's speed and ring IQ should be enough to keep the fight at his preferred distance. As long as he sticks to his game plan and doesn't get dragged into a dogfight, he takes this comfortably on the scorecards.
     
    themaster458, May 14, 2026
    themaster458, May 14, 2026
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  5. Gazelle Punch

    Gazelle Punch Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Similar fighters in that they’re just extremely technically sound. HJ is more proven and I’d edge him as of now but it would be close. Bivol is a bit underrated around here. As is HJ.
     
    Gazelle Punch, May 14, 2026
    Gazelle Punch, May 14, 2026
    #5
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  6. MarkusFlorez99

    MarkusFlorez99 Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Bivol
     
    MarkusFlorez99, May 14, 2026
    MarkusFlorez99, May 14, 2026
    #6
  7. robert ungurean

    robert ungurean Богдан Philadelphia Full Member

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    Don't see it. Bivol with his Soviet amateur style against a absolute master boxer in Johnson. Johnson toys with Bivol
     
    robert ungurean, May 14, 2026
    robert ungurean, May 14, 2026
    #7
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  8. Mandela2039

    Mandela2039 OFFICIAL THREAD DIDDLER banned Full Member

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    I think it's pretty obvious that the multi layered technician with one of the finest skillsets ever seen who consistently beat and gave very tough bouts to multiple ATGS would win against the pseudo fencing nerd who lost to an injured senior citizen.
     
    Mandela2039, May 14, 2026
    Mandela2039, May 14, 2026
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  9. Flo_Raiden

    Flo_Raiden Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Bivol's style was pretty masterful himself. Hard to see him being "toyed" when no one has been able to do that to him. I favor Johnson but I don't think it's going to be as easy as you say.
     
    Flo_Raiden, May 15, 2026
    Flo_Raiden, May 15, 2026
    #9
  10. Flo_Raiden

    Flo_Raiden Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    The pseudo fencing nerd who derailed Canelo's status as the P4P best and also avenged his only loss against a beast like Beterbiev who was 21-0 previously.
     
    Flo_Raiden, May 15, 2026
    Flo_Raiden, May 15, 2026
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  11. robert ungurean

    robert ungurean Богдан Philadelphia Full Member

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    I believe Johnson would run straight through him no problem. Again it's a Soviet amateur style against a technical master. No contest
     
    robert ungurean, May 15, 2026
    robert ungurean, May 15, 2026
    #11
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  12. Flo_Raiden

    Flo_Raiden Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Bivol is seen as one of the best technical and defensive boxers today. I feel like you're really underselling Bivol's boxing prowess and capabilities. Johnson is one of my favorites and indeed a technical master in the art of boxing but I'm not going to pretend that Bivol is some kind of mid tier fighter when he's actually a superb technician in in his own right. Bivol also exemplifies the term sweet science with that Soviet style of his.
     
    Flo_Raiden, May 15, 2026
    Flo_Raiden, May 15, 2026
    #12
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  13. themaster458

    themaster458 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I think Robert just doesn't like the Soviet style tbh. He dismisses Usyk as well despite all he's accomplished and his real skill.
     
    themaster458, May 15, 2026
    themaster458, May 15, 2026
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  14. Flo_Raiden

    Flo_Raiden Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Not sure what the issue is with the Soviet style when they have some great technicians. Yuri Arbachakov uses the Soviet style and he was one of the most aesthetically pleasing fighters in the lower weights.
     
    Flo_Raiden, May 15, 2026
    Flo_Raiden, May 15, 2026
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  15. themaster458

    themaster458 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Not old school enough. Certain people dismiss it as too "amateur " despite its success. Seems like sour grapes to me tbh.
     
    themaster458, May 15, 2026
    themaster458, May 15, 2026
    #15
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