Thoughts about this match up? Not sure if Johnson has ever fought as a HW before, but he did fight the likes of Doug Jones and Ezzard Charles, and even sparred with Liston. I'll just assume that he's able to carry up to HW. Could Johnson outbox Louis to a decision, or would Louis eventually land a hard accurate shot on Johnson and KO him?
Johnson could have been a potential opponent for Louis late in his career, but things didn't pan out that way. I have to suspect that even an older Louis would have found a way to beat him.
its an interesting question and i believe johnson was quite highly ranked at heavyweight for a time (#3?). like janitor said, louis probably would have found him though he would have made louis uncomfortable for a fair number of rounds beforehand. johnson had some firepower but not enough to keep louis from stalking him and taking him out
Yes, Johnson was also a capable heavy. He'd give Louis problems, but The Brown Bomber would catch up to him and starch him at some point.
Louis was the smarter, finer fighter. He'd eventually figure out how to get in the right range, and then he'd lay it on and get that stoppage. Pretty cookie cutter older Louis knockout win. Not to take anything from Johnson, who was very, very good.
Johnson was a better boxer for mine, but it's highly unlikely he goes 15 rounds without Joe landing the equaliser. Louis by Ko probably mid to late rounds, with Harold up a couple of points at the time.
