Kirk Johnson

He had good skills but another guy who got a little too Big for his britches. (wide)

 

James Broad Syndrome

 

Ruiz is the supreme operator. In his prime, his opponents almost always fought by his rules. Probably the most underrated head to head heavy of all time.

 

Yes Big A-- Broad

 

Pretty disappointing guy. Had plenty of talent. Beat the tough Savarese impressively. I still can't believe the shape he came in against Vitali. Never got it together after that. Strange, disappointing career.

 

Underachiever with underrated talent

 

I remember him having surprisingly fast hands for a bigger man, which led to some devastating knockouts. I remember the Maskaev and Savarase stoppages coming from lightning quick shots.

He somewhat reminds me of Micheal Dokes, and some other members of the "lost generation" of heavyweights. Many of them struggled with their weight/lifestyles.

 

His KO over Maskeav was pretty impressive as well.

 

His offense was awesome to watch. A brilliant mixture of speed, power, precision, and punch selection. Unfortunately he was lazy in training and a front runner in the ring. If he had the persistence and discipline of Chris Byrd, he would have been a serious title threat.

 

His downfall was written the minute he stepped foot out his dresser room against Vitali. Walking out to Don't Stop Till You Get Enough song by Michael Jackson , and apparently he didn't get enough and his weight issue was a reflection of that.

 

The lost his desire prior to the VK fight, that's why he weighed 263 instead of 235.

It was said at the time that what killed Kirk's desire was a 1 1/2 million signing bonus when he turned pro.

As some others said, his loss to Ruiz was by DQ, and yes Ruiz fought a stinker of a fight, but he did hurt Johnson at one point and Johnson did hit Ruiz low a lot. Somewhat deserving the DQ.

 

Johnson was rocked and falling all over the ring at the end, I felt there should have at least been one KD ruled. He had no legs and hit the canvas three times.

Johnson was getting beat up in the last round and the last low blow looked deliberate to me. He was warned and warned.