Was old pops ever in a bad fight? If the bout takes place in the UK--and Johnson was a road warrior willing to sign a fight in the other guy's backyard--I'd lean towards a Finnegan decision. Come to think of it, a late stoppage is possible due to cuts or that gastank of Johnson getting emptied. I wish I could plop a dvd in of that bout now & watch it instead of typing this--a fan's favorite bout for sure.
I cannot picture Finnegan beating Johnson. Johnson was simply too hard-hitting and too aggressive for Finnegan. Finnegan would put up a game fight, but he would constantly be forced to give ground in order to avoid being kayoed by one of Johnson's bombs. Overall, Johnson's pressure and punch output would take the edge over Finnegan's boxing skill and mental tenacity. The only question in my mind is whether the fight goes the distance. Johnson wins by late round stoppage or by clear cut decision.
One thing I will say is that Johnson could be hurt himself and tired late. He always came out firing and tried not to stop, but Finnegan proved against Foster it took a lot to keep him down. I don't know enough of Finnegan outside of Foster and the fact he was an Olympian. Anyone like to impart some knowledge on him, stylistically, his record out of Foster, notable opponents etc etc Being an aficionado of the late 70's/early 80's light Heavyweight scene, I'm obviously far more well versed on Johnson than Finnegan, despite my admiration for Bob Foster.
But did Finnegan have the power to hurt a guy like Johnson? My recollection is that Johnson was only hurt by very dangerous punchers, such as Spinks, Mustafa Muhammad, and Saad Muhammad. Johnson took some very heavy punches against Saad and Mustafa before going down. I also saw Johnson take heavy shots from Galindez without wilting. I agree that Finnegan showed toughness against Foster, but Finnegan survived so that night by boxing and moving. I think Finnegan would have been compelled to do the same against Johnson. If Finnegan tried to withstand Johnson's power shots, it could be over quick. Just my guess.
Finnegan had an excellent chin.I doubt he would have much trouble soaking up Johnson's bombs, especially as he'll most likely be seeing them coming, unlike some of the sneak shots Foster and Conteh were firing at him. I think this would be a very competitive hard fight.I'll go with Johnson in a 9-6'ish decision, possibly helped by finnegan being hampered by cuts, as he often was.
