Yes, Vitali did harpoon the whale. I think Kirk is making a fortune off of his doughnut business, but he could have beaten a lot of top ten.
guy must be nuts or not care about banking some money for the future. he was pretty talented and even after the vk fight he could've been making some decent fights given the poor division and his ability.
Kirk Johnson had very fast hands & good power, he should get in shape & make some noise. Last I heard he hurt his knee or something & needed an operation.
It's amazing how many champions there have been since Kirk when pro that are worse than he was, but that he never made it to the top. Ruiz, Ibragimov, Briggs, Valuev, Hide, Akinwande and even Brewster I think all couldn't beat a peak Johnson. It just goes to show that no amount of talent can substitute for dedication, which is what the champions I've mentioned had (Don King's patronage helps as well).
if you ask Kirk he is still planning a comeback. he is having some legal issues still i think. maybe northend will come by and fill us in.
In the mid nineties Kirk was great and i thought he'd steal the Title off of Ruiz in Las Vegas.. after that it all went down hill.. I felt bad for him..