The referee helps up DeJohn, and then begins the count: [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRFACJDD6lo[/ame] Uploaded by My2Sense.
I think the referee helped DeJohn up because he was worried about DeJohn falling backward off the ring apron. As for this fight, I remember DeJohn being puffed up by several posters regarding the one round stoppage of Powell, but this is the DeJohn I remember. Some power, but clumsy and awkward with a marginal defense and a dentable chin. A rather ordinary contender, in my judgement.
Some Power? Many contemporary accounts of the era state DeJohn was a big puncher, one of the division's hardest hitters with that left hook. This was DeJohn's last fight against Chuvalo...Do you estimate he could have been past his prime? I don't think he was a great contender, not even close, but the man was a ranked puncher. Those are always dangerous.
There's no doubt that DeJohn could hit. Even Chuvalo said that he felt his power. DeJohn had already fought for 12 years by the time he fought Chuvalo so I'd say he had seen his best days. I think that Chuvalo is an underrated puncher with the left hook himself. He could throw it to the body and head and countered well with it at times when given the opportunity. The first knockdown in the above video is a great example of that.
Yeah since Chuvalo in countless time talk about this fight. Was a joke according to him and he knew he was in for a rough night when the Ref helped him up.
Chuvalo has said that an uppercut DeJohn buckled his knees with was the hardest single shot he took during his career. That's the footage I'd like to see. (Of course the second round "Washer Woman" action with which George raked a helplessly backwards leaning DeJohn over the ropes with is the other essential viewing.)
