Vitali v Kevin Johnson ?

Since he can easily beat Joe Louis, he dosn't need to fight dangerous challengers.

 

Probably not, but he's fought Peter (top5), Gomez(top5) and Arreola(top5) over the last year. Most champions take an easy defense after one top5 opponent; he took 3 and within a years time. He deserved an easy defence, and i like that he's staying active despite being 38 years of age and injury prone.

I agree with your analysis of the fight. Johnson has good technical skills, but lacks top-end power and stays in the pocket a bit too much. His recent win over Vargas(17-0) was pretty good, but nothing suggested he could beat the Vital of the Arreola fight.

 

Old but past prime contenders like Toney and Tua would be more interesting, who knows how good Johnson is though, havent see enough of him to pass judgement, he hasnt got a big punch but that isnt a necessity

 

Good but I wouldnt say Top 5, with Vitali himself, Wlad, Haye, Povetkin, Chagaev, Chambers around

 

OK just watched Kevin Johnson-Vargas, while Vargas was no great shakes Johnson certainly has a nice fast jab and counter right, decent slipping/parrying ability. What are you talking about slow hands? For a 240lb HW he has very good handspeed. He has his left hand low because he fights out of a half guard and looks to shoulder roll thinking hes Floyd Mayweather, in fairness he has decent defense and rolls and counters well enough, so I don't see why you say he looks a sucker for the right cross. He looks stong, in shape in his prime, obviously untested so we'll have to see how good he is in this 1, I have no idea if he'll shock the world or get taken out early to be honest

 

No way were Gomez or Arreola top 5 fighters. Maybe by the WBC rankings, but not in the mind of anyone not paid off.

 

Haye bolted from a fight with Vitali. Vitlai just fought. I see nothing wrong with facing an undefeated fighter on in less than 4 months from his last fight. Who else could Vitali fight that will accept the challenge?

It seems fighters are wanting in on the WBA shell game.

Johnson is un-defeated, has size, very quick hands and can box. He isn't a big puncher. I have no idea why you think Kevin Johnson throws pretty slow punches.

This is not a bad pick considering what out there. Most 38+ year old champs flat out avoid seeking fights with much younger and faster challengers.

 

Don't think theres much average that Johnson has less then average power. He seemed to want to punish Vargas, actually.

 

Devin Vargas is NOT the kind of oppoent you need to prepare for V.K. in Dec.......... Is Johnson biting off more than he can chew? YES!!

MR.BILL

 

chris, i dont understand how you can describe good technical skills when his defence by consensus seems to consist of a low front hand and (half guard). Surely this is lacking in the most basic and fundamental technical skill of keeping your hands up at all times?

 

I really think that if Vitali fights like he did in the Arreola fight that Johnson has no chance to win.

 

Johnson has a winners attitude and will be up for the fight. He has decent speed and movement and some power....Vitali stop in 8-9 rds

 

What are you talking about? He keeps a high guard plenty of times, throws most of his shots technically correct and generally makes few mistakes for a HW. Half guard is by design, not by mistake, unless you think Mayweather is technically lacking.

It's splitting hairs at some point, but Chagaev just lost, Chambers didn't have his impression run yet back then (Peter&Gomez) and Povetkin hasn't done anything in the last two years. Haye is the CW champion, but didn't do much at HW yet, either. For the record, i do think these men are better than Arreola, Peter or Gomez, but they don't haven't done that much more to clearly be ranked over them.