"There haven't been many HW fights better than this one." Harold Johnson's left hand.

I would tend to agree, but his performance over Jones really is a masterclass in boxing, in every single way. Jabbing, feinting, leading, countering. Everything. Although it was against a lesser opponent. Against Charles he was boxing a much skilled fighter at a higher calibre.

 

Much appreciated. :good

What fights of him do you have?

 

Doug Jones, Pastrano, Machen, Charles, Paul Andrews 1 and 2, Marty Marshall, Clay, Smith?? not 100%,

Thats off the top of my head, I owuld have to check to confirm.

 

Put more on Youtube and you all are legends.

 

Have been away with girlfriend for the weekend and my iPhone won't let me view these clips (bugger!) - but am due back tonite so will watch later and give my thoughts - but can't wait to see this!! Two of my favourite fighters ever right here - god I wish I had been around in the 50's

 

Loved Johnson's Jab in this fight but Ezz came on in the end and I think it was clearly a KD, with a slight delayed reaction but Johnson was stunned. Charles was picking it up in the end. Memory was that I gave it to Charles but it was a close fight. Charles closed strong. Funny how styles make fights. Johnson lost most of his fights with Moore and Ezzard beat Moore none of the fights were easy for an of them. Johnson had some excellent victory's in his career and beat some big heavyweights. I love both of these guys styles. Ezzard was a cobra though

 

That was the fast left hook right hand that he stopped Wallace and Satterfeild with. Ezz was quick with that combo. One of the best 2-piece combo's

 

I'd say that Charles was definitely sharper and more agile against Valentino as well as generally in the late 1940's than he was later in the mid 1950's.

 

Just watched Johnson vs Charles.

McGrains anaylisis is excellant.

This is my take on Johnson. I thought he was a complete technician in there. His jab served the purpose of setting the range of the fight, and setting up counters. But was also thrown to keep Charles busy.

The footwork and balance of Johnson was excellant, he was always in a position to counter. The way he jabbed and pulled back waiting for a counter was beautiful.

Another thing was that Johnsons punch selection was superb, he knew what punch to throw, as a counter, to do more damage. He used his left hook- right hand combination expertly aswell as the right hand-left hook combination. His right uppercut was a superb counter also.

As for Charles, I thought he really showed his 'cobra' moniker here. He probed for opening with the jab and when he seen them he landed fast accurate shots, but his mobility wasnt as good in days gone by.

Very excellant fight

My scorecard

Johnson: 1,2,5,6,9
Charles: 3,4,7,8,10
Total: 95-95 DRAW (5-5)

When I orginally scored the bout I had the second and third rounds to the opposite guy, but the rounds were super close their.

The 10th round was very close, Johnson did some brilliant countering work and Charles landed some real sharp shots - I gave it to Charles because of the 'knockdown' that should have been called.

Also, I thought Johnson won his rounds more clearly and if I had to pick a winner it would be him.

 

No snap in his jab from what i can see.

 

Johnson, but i was really just beating Powerpunchers Winstone jab comments from a few month ago into the ground.

 

Had this 6-4 for Johnson. I liked Johnson's busy, educated jab. I also thought he beat Charles to the punch more often than not with straighter punches. Great fight, thanks for uploading this McGrain.