Harold Johnson vs Aleksandr Usek

Too soon to say. I need to see how Usyk does against Bellew first.

 

You’re picking Bellew to win, don’t rate the cruiserweight division and think Usyk’s wins over Gassiev and Briedis are basically worthless. Who cares what you think?

 

Apparently you do.

 

What exactly would a fight against Bellew tell us about how someone might fare against Harold Johnson though?

 

Bellew is the first opponent that Usyk is facing as a pro that has an ounce of cleverness and can effectively put combinations together. Gassiev has power, but has poor timing and Briedis is too predictable, so I knew neither one would be much competition for Usyk.

 

Harold Johnson is obviously an all time great, so my instinct is to give him the edge out of respect for what Johnson represented.

But Usyk seems destined for a high place in boxing history someday as well. As too many examples from the past indicate, even what looks like the surest bet can falter. That said, Usyk seems as sure a bet for the IBHOF as a fighter could be at this stage of their career.

 

Regarding Usyk, I remain a confirmed skeptic. I'm that way regarding most of the hot shots today. I went out on a limb regarding Kovalev, GGG and Beterbiev in recent years and became quite disappointed in all three. Caution therefore, is my rule of thumb in evaluating today's fighters. In the meantime however, I am sold on Harold Johnson as an all time great...both as a technician as well as a fighter. He's quite established, and not just in my mind. Until Usyk, a charming fellow who is "very feel", passes the test of time, I'll demonstrate my bias and call it for Johnson. At this time, I think HJ would win a 15 rounder in his typical style.

 

Usyk still has to prove himself. his resume is not impressive

 

It’s certainly not unimpressive. Glowacki was a good champion and he beat him in his backyard. I think Briedis and Gassiev were pretty damn good too and he beat them in their backyards and has all four titles. Not bad beating three good unbeaten champions in their backyards.

 

His resume is brilliant for anyone that has a clue. No offence, but you might not be clued on this cruiserweight era, which has been stacked for years and culminated in Usyk’s excellent run, beating the best around who in turn had many wins over ranked contenders on their own ledgers.

His resume is basically beyond reproach at this stage, and he can still add to it this weekend.

Then, the big lumps.

 

I think Usyk is better than the Pastrano that fought Johnson. They have a similar style but Usyk has the firepower and constitution to be more aggressive. Usyk over 12 but if there were good odds on a Usyk late stoppage i would take them

 

Its as impressive as it gets for the cruiser weight division. What more can you ask for a Golden Olympic champion who cleaned out a professional division in a relatively few amount of fights?

Johnson was a very good technician, but I think Usyk's to too tall and long. His activity would earn him a points decision, with maybe one judge or fan saying yeah but Johnson's countered better, completely ignoring the amount of blows landed.