Kevin Johnson vs. Damian Wills tonight!

[Grabonator]

Both fighters seem to be in good shape and are angry to each other.
I hope Johnson turns out to be an interesting joung challenger. Wills is not a bad opponent.

[Bigcat]

Wills unfortunately showed a fatal flaw in his make up when he faced Arreola, if he is good enough to beat Johnson or not he will not make the grade in todays division. Kevin really to convince the sceptics will need to put Wills in his place in major style or he too will be tarred with the same brush.. Its a good match but really and truthfully not a significant one as far as the world title picture is concerned..

[Grabonator]

I thought BIG about Kevin Johnson but now I think he will be nothing more than a gatekeeper max. He is huge but lacks power and motivation. He trust too much in his jab, which is called by himslef "similair to Holmes". But such a big guy should have bigger Kopercentage than he has. I think he has like 13 fights or so with 5 or 6 stoppages.

In an recent interview he said: "I am bringing the rebirth of Muhammad Ali back into the ring." :patsch

[Grabonator]

Wills unfortunately showed a fatal flaw in his make up when he faced Arreola, if he is good enough to beat Johnson or not he will not make the grade in todays division. Kevin really to convince the sceptics will need to put Wills in his place in major style or he too will be tarred with the same brush.. Its a good match but really and truthfully not a significant one as far as the world title picture is concerned..

Yes i agree but its a good test fir Johnson thats why i started this thread. If he beats Wills convincingly he might be good. Yes he has not a good KO percentage but maybe hes still talented and maybe he can show more than he has so far.

[Bigcat]

A great test for Kevin.. But he needs to make a very bold statement to be in amongst the real heavyweight contenders Povetkin and Arreola and Chambers are head of the class so far.....

[hitman_hatton1]

In an recent interview he said: "I am bringing the rebirth of Muhammad Ali back into the ring." :patsch

did u catch his interview on that radio show last night.

there are 3 fighters that matter in this division.

the 3 he mentioned were garbage. :lol:

[Bigcat]

you never know what goes on in some peoples minds......

[Muchmoore]

Johnson has a good jab but it's literally the only punch he throws. He needs more punches in his arsenal if he wants to be a top 10 contender.

[BOGART]

I think I might be in the minority here but I think Johnson has a nice future in the heavyweight division. I think he beats Wills, whose not bad, handily. Johnson has all the tools and attitude to make some noise. He really needs to open up more offensivly though. His jab is nice but I would love to see more variety to his offense. Don't know if he just likes to coast off of it, if he's hiding a vulnerable chin, lazy, or what the reason is. But if he does more than throw just that jab than I think he could be a contender by the end of the year if matched/pushed properly. Not saying I'm a fan of his style, what I've seen of him has been a bit boring, I just think all the tools are there though. Tonight, hopefully, answers a few questions.

[Zakman]

I thought BIG about Kevin Johnson but now I think he will be nothing more than a gatekeeper max. He is huge but lacks power and motivation. He trust too much in his jab, which is called by himslef "similair to Holmes". But such a big guy should have bigger Kopercentage than he has. I think he has like 13 fights or so with 5 or 6 stoppages.

Excellent analysis. Which is why I expect Wills, who's no slouch, to beat him, maybe even by late stoppage.

[emanuel_augustus]

I think I might be in the minority here but I think Johnson has a nice future in the heavyweight division. I think he beats Wills, whose not bad, handily. Johnson has all the tools and attitude to make some noise. He really needs to open up more offensivly though. His jab is nice but I would love to see more variety to his offense.
Johnson: jab...jab...jab...jab...jab...jab...jab...jab...jab

As soon as he fights someone with the balls to slip, step through it and throw a right hand over it, he's screwed.

He is literally a totally one-dimensional fighter. Even Holmes threw combos off his shotgun stick.

[BOGART]

Johnson: jab...jab...jab...jab...jab...jab...jab...jab...jab

As soon as he fights someone with the balls to slip, step through it and throw a right hand over it, he's screwed.

He is literally a totally one-dimensional fighter. Even Holmes threw combos off his shotgun stick.


I think Wills might be able to give us an idea of what else Johnson has. Yeah he is to reliant on that jab, but atleast its a good jab. He has been one dimensional but why? Is it by choice or is it all he has? I think he chooses to rely too much on the jab. Not sure why, but I think there is more than just the jab. Like I mentioned, I might be in the minority but I still think Johnson has some upside. We'll know more after tonight.

[Bigcat]

Both have showed us very little so far, i hope this fight brings out the devil in both of em..

[emanuel_augustus]

I think Wills might be able to give us an idea of what else Johnson has. Yeah he is to reliant on that jab, but atleast its a good jab. He has been one dimensional but why? Is it by choice or is it all he has? I think he chooses to rely too much on the jab. Not sure why, but I think there is more than just the jab. Like I mentioned, I might be in the minority but I still think Johnson has some upside. We'll know more after tonight.

I'm willing to give him a chance, but if he hasn't added any elements to his game, he goes on the wanna-be scrap heap.

[Mrboogie23]

A great test for Kevin.. But he needs to make a very bold statement to be in amongst the real heavyweight contenders Povetkin and Arreola and Chambers are head of the class so far.....



agreed. He needst to step his game up big time. Right now I dont think he has what it takes. A jab is a great tool but he needs more.

[geppy]

Damian Willis is a generic HW prospect. I dont think Willis excells in any area compared to other prospects. Johnson should be able to handle Willis fairly easy ,if he is indeed is a legit prospect with a future.

[Zakman]

Anybody know what happened in this fight?? I got home to watch FNF, turned on the TV and they had friggin' Barry Bonds on instead. :fire

[H .]

Anybody know what happened in this fight?? I got home to watch FNF, turned on the TV and they had friggin' Barry Bonds on instead. :fire

Turn on showtime :deal

[Zakman]

Turn on showtime :deal

:huh Showtime? I thought this was an ESPN fight. Jeez, I'm all confused tonight!!!:lol:

[H .]

:huh Showtime? I thought this was an ESPN fight. Jeez, I'm all confused tonight!!!:lol:

Nah, they had Pascal/Ikeke tonight, early again.

Speaking of Johnson/Wills, I don't have showtime. Any updates? Did it start yet? Is it over?

[Zakman]

Nah, they had Pascal/Ikeke tonight, early again.

Speaking of Johnson/Wills, I don't have showtime. Any updates? Did it start yet? Is it over?

I don't have Showtime either. Now I don't feel quite as bad about missing the ESPN show, though!:lol::good

[geppy]

agreed. He needst to step his game up big time. Right now I dont think he has what it takes. A jab is a great tool but he needs more.

Wills is bulling foreward, he knows Johnson mainly sticks to the jab! Johnsons lack of an arsenal is showing big time, and Wilis is on his ass. After hearing the the hype of Johnson , I most admit I didnt think Wills had a chance. But Wills won the first two rounds.

[Zakman]

Wills is bulling foreward, he knows Johnson mainly sticks to the jab! Johnsons lack of an arsenal is showing big time, and Wilis is on his ass. After hearing the the hype of Johnson , I most admit I didnt think Wills had a chance. But Wills won the first two rounds.

I've been saying since I first heard about this fight that Wills would win. Johnson's record is VERY padded. Wills has fought much better competition.

Keep the updates comin' man - thanks!:good

[IntentionalButt]

Wills is bulling foreward, he knows Johnson mainly sticks to the jab! Johnsons lack of an arsenal is showing big time, and Wilis is on his ass. After hearing the the hype of Johnson , I most admit I didnt think Wills had a chance. But Wills won the first two rounds.

Johnson took 3 and 4. Wills could get stopped again. And that doesn't necessarily mean Johnson is that special...just that Wills isn't a tough nut to crack.

[geppy]

Johnson took 3 and 4. Wills could get stopped again. And that doesn't necessarily mean Johnson is that special...just that Wills isn't a tough nut to crack.

Yeah, niether one of these are that good are they?

Wills won the first two rounds. Johnson probabbly won the last 3.

[geppy]

Evander Holyfield was interviewed and called some of the action ringside. He says he is going to be the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion again.

[Zakman]

Evander Holyfield was interviewed and called some of the action ringside. He says he is going to be the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion again.

Now that's Evander. He REALLY believes. You have to respect him for the faith he seems to have in his ability. Whether that's enough to get him by at this age is another question.

[IntentionalButt]

There are definitely things to like about Johnson. Very hard jab, rest of his punches aren't impressive power-wise but very fast and accurate, decent but not stellar on his feet, can slip a punch, seems to be able to take a few to the chin, and above all is very poised and relaxed. Looks to be about a B-/B fighter, and is clearly outshining an established C/C+ guy in Wills.

[Zakman]

There are definitely things to like about Johnson. Very hard jab, rest of his punches aren't impressive power-wise but very fast and accurate, decent but not stellar on his feet, can slip a punch, seems to be able to take a few to the chin, and above all is very poised and relaxed. Looks to be about a B-/B fighter, and is clearly outshining an established C/C+ guy in Wills.

I gotta admit, I thought Wills would be too much for this guy. Wills had faced mostly solid journeymen coming up, while Johnson's record is composed more of tomato can type fighters.

[geppy]

There are definitely things to like about Johnson. Very hard jab, rest of his punches aren't impressive power-wise but very fast and accurate, decent but not stellar on his feet, can slip a punch, seems to be able to take a few to the chin, and above all is very poised and relaxed. Looks to be about a B-/B fighter, and is clearly outshining an established C/C+ guy in Wills.

Wills is fighting terrible. He smothers every punch he throws , by getting too close to have power.Johnson is decent , although he spends way too much time on the ropes.

[geppy]

Johnson wins lopsided UD

[geppy]

Wills is going to be a journeymen, I just cant see him beating any good HW fighters.

Johnson has some talent and can be a contender , but I doubt he ever wins a title.

[The Tuaman]

Johnson has fought only bums???

Timor Ibragimov - fought Ibragimov in his 4th fight when Ibragimov was 13-0-0

Robert Wiggins - Fought Wiggins in his 6th pro fight Wiggins was 19-3-1

Robert Hawkins - Fought Hawkins in his 10th pro fight Hawkins was 21-5-0

Daniel Bispo - Fought Bispo after Hawkins Bispo was 17-3-0

Has also fought solid journymen

Demetrice King
Ron Guerrero
Charles Davis

I wouldnt call Johnson protected at this stage of his career he has been exposed to some pretty decent fighters in his 17 bout career!

[IntentionalButt]

Johnson wins lopsided UD
unless i misheard it was 99-91 twice and 100-91. 98-92 would probably be more accurate, but nonetheless it was a very clear win; one guy's stock continues ratcheting up and the other's even further down.

they're saying his people are talking about putting him in with peter before too long. that's very ambitious talk at this stage, but i do think it would be an entertaining styles matchup if it ever came off, and would probably go quite a few rounds at least.

[geppy]

unless i misheard it was 99-91 twice and 100-91. 98-92 would probably be more accurate, but nonetheless it was a very clear win; one guy's stock continues ratcheting up and the other's even further down.

they're saying his people are talking about putting him in with peter before too long. that's very ambitious talk at this stage, but i do think it would be an entertaining styles matchup if it ever came off, and would probably go quite a few rounds at least.

Johnson wont be able to stand on the ropes like that against Peter. Peter will knock him into the crowd if does. Wills was landing punches but he smothered all his punches and done no damage at all! Wills was dreadful wasnt he Intentionalbutt?

[IntentionalButt]

Johnson wont be able to stand on the ropes like that against Peter. Peter will knock him into the crowd if does. Wills was landing punches but he smothered all his punches and done no damage at all! Wills was dreadful wasnt he Intentionalbutt?
He was lousy, yeah. No authority on his shots like you said, he got hit way too much and struggled just to keep pace with Johnson (and his balance) even when Johnson was just goofing off and playing possum. People who used his unbeaten status to hype Arreola need to rethink their position. Beating him is no accomplishment, and I think even though Johnson didn't stop him, he embarrassed him more than Arreola did.

[WhataRock]

Ive been keeping my eye on Johnson for a while.
To be honest he is not a guy you would get excited about and is a bit of a one trick pony.

But his speed, size, D and very good jab are going to make him a hard man to beat for a while.

Im not saying future world champ but he has the ability to slip under the radar a bit because he is well..underwhelming.
Underwhelming but very effective.

[geppy]

Ive been keeping my eye on Johnson for a while.
To be honest he is not a guy you would get excited about and is a bit of a one trick pony.

But his speed, size, D and very good jab are going to make him a hard man to beat for a while.

Im not saying future world champ but he has the ability to slip under the radar a bit because he is well..underwhelming.
Underwhelming but very effective.

Johnson is quite a bit like Eddie Chambers. They are similar fighters style wise and about the same level of fighter.

[IntentionalButt]

Ive been keeping my eye on Johnson for a while.
To be honest he is not a guy you would get excited about and is a bit of a one trick pony.

But his speed, size, D and very good jab are going to make him a hard man to beat for a while.

Im not saying future world champ but he has the ability to slip under the radar a bit because he is well..underwhelming.
Underwhelming but very effective.
I think you hit the nail on the head...hard to beat for even some top-ranked guys (especially the way the division is now), but not a real visual treat with his lack of finishing tools. Someone who doesn't seem to pose a huge threat but could tough out close decisions against top competition...in other words, his attributes may make him too high-risk low-reward to ever reach the championship level.

[IntentionalButt]

Johnson is quite a bit like Eddie Chambers. They are similar fighters style wise and about the same level of fighter.
Yeah, I get more or less the same vibe from both. Chambers might be a little slicker and more twinkle-toed, while Johnson has that snappier jab and ducks and rolls well on the inside. Straight up handspeed could be a wash. I'd actually like to see that fight, though I certainly wouldn't expect fireworks. :yep

[Zakman]

I wouldnt call Johnson protected at this stage of his career he has been exposed to some pretty decent fighters in his 17 bout career!

Well, I stand corrected on Timor, I must have missed him when I scanned the record. Wiggins and Hawkins are solid journeymen, but Bispo?? Who's he ever fought, let alone beaten? The others are low level trialhorses at best, nothing to get excited about. I've seen records more padded than this certainly - but main point, that Wills' record was better, is still justified, imo. Cisse Salif and Yanqui Daiz are better than anybody on Johnson's record except for Timor, who he didn't beat anyway, and Sedreck Fields is better than most of the journeymen on his record.

Of course, none of that didn't seemed to make a difference in the outcome of the fight!:lol:

[H .]

Good stuf,f you guys made execlelent poits. I will defiitnely watch him forwhen he fights a top-ranked fighter, but I won't bt on him.

Aew man, I knew I shoulfnt post after all that :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl ....

hasppy friday

[Grabonator]

Johnson is quite a bit like Eddie Chambers. They are similar fighters style wise and about the same level of fighter.

Really?:blood Chambers is not a tall guy staying on distance and outpointing his opponent! thats what Johnson is! I think they are complete different fighters! And Chambers is throwing lot of punches.

[hacim419]

Based on what I've seen of both, I'd take Chambers if they fought, he'd outhustle Johnson for a UD Win.

[IntentionalButt]

Really?:blood Chambers is not a tall guy staying on distance and outpointing his opponent! thats what Johnson is! I think they are complete different fighters! And Chambers is throwing lot of punches.
They're not carbon copies but there are similarities. And I don't know about his other fights but Johnson wasn't fighting tall last night. He was able to settle right in the pocket at will and humiliate his opponent by making him miss frequently, taking a few of his best shots, and landing much cleaner and snappier blows of his own. Really if you look past his relative lack of grace compared to twinkle-toe Eddie (deceptive lack of grace, because he was always in good position and maintained perfect balance throughout the fight...his footwork is good, just looks ugly), they are two peas in a pod.

[BOGART]

I was looking foward to this fight because I thought Wills could push Johnson, who I am high on. First off Wills has less than I thought. He will end up as a solid journeyman instead of some sort of fringe contender. Johnson handled him quite easliy. I still have the same thoughts about Johnson that I had coming into the fight. All the tools are there, speed, jab, smarts, confidence, and defense. He just needed to be more offensive minded. At times he was, he showed some nice lead and straight rights when he chose to use them. I think he just is in love with his jab and is content to coast with it. It will take someone of a higher caliber than Wills to show us how deep Johnson's arsenal is/isn't.

I think Johnson ends up being a player in the heavyweight division. I think he beats any of the other American prospects with Chambers being his toughest challenge.

Someone mentioned Johnson having gotten by on weak competition, actually its been the opposite. For a guy with 15 amatuer fights and 16-17 pro fights his competition has actually been pretty solid. He had sort of leveled off before the Wills fight lately but Wills fits in nicely for this stage of his career.