Kevin Johnson - American Heavyweight with TOO MUCH MOUTH

Beno999 · 01-09-2009, 06:43 PM

Just read an article recently posted on Eastsideboxing.com from the american heavyweight Kevin ' The Kingpin ' Johnson. The guy is unbeaten with a record of 21-0 (8) it might look like hes an up and comer to watch out for, but my god i cant stand this guy and im loving the fact hes bigging himself up against david haye, i want haye to put this guy in his place, he has fought no-one. After reading what he said in this article! Far too much mouth.

The Kingpin is set to reign in 2009

Jersey-Jim · 01-09-2009, 06:59 PM

I've never seen him fight before, but his record seems to indicate that he's not a big puncher. He has only 8 kayos in 21 fights. He may be the kind of fighter who has an awkward style and is hard to look good against. It was sort of a low blow to pick on Frank Bruno. I always liked Frank. He was always in shape and stood out in the age of the Blubber Heavyweights. Unless you had a good chin, Bruno could turn out the lights. I wonder if he could have gotten Wlad Klitschko out of there?

Beno999 · 01-09-2009, 07:11 PM

Jim, take a look at the names in that article Johnson claims are big names on his resume, hes a joke.

Tommysixfingers · 01-10-2009, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jersey-Jim

I've never seen him fight before, but his record seems to indicate that he's not a big puncher. He has only 8 kayos in 21 fights. He may be the kind of fighter who has an awkward style and is hard to look good against. It was sort of a low blow to pick on Frank Bruno. I always liked Frank. He was always in shape and stood out in the age of the Blubber Heavyweights. Unless you had a good chin, Bruno could turn out the lights. I wonder if he could have gotten Wlad Klitschko out of there?

I'm not sure that Bruno was good enough to beat either of the Klitchsko's. His chin was suspectable and he lacked all kinds of killer instinct imo. 10+ for heart though and he packed a punch as well.

Bruno has somewhat of a special place in my own personal history with the HW's of the 80´s. I remember sitting down with a friend and his dad to watch the fight with Anders Eklund when I was 9 years. He beat poor Eklund pretty easy. I also remember getting up in the middle of the night to watch him fight Tyson a couple of years later. Bruno rocked Tyson in their first fight but was unable to follow up and the rest is history.

Jersey-Jim · 01-10-2009, 12:31 AM

I remember watching Bruno's first fight against Terrible Tim Witherspoon. Watching Tim fight was, you know, terrible. Tim was one of those fighters who only fought about 30 seconds of a 3 minute round. He had a great chin for the most part. For most of the round, you'd watch him wondering how good he could actually be if he fought with any type of aggression. Anyway, Frank did fine in that fight until he ran out of gas in the championship rounds. Then Witherspoon landed his best punch, that sort of "overhand" right, and Frank got into that "I'm just gonna lay here against the ropes for a bit until the referee stops the fight" pose.

Frank could punch, though. Yeah, both Klitschko's probably would have stopped Bruno, but he probably would have done better overall fighting in the current era than back in the late 80's - early 90's.

lethal liberal · 01-10-2009, 04:47 AM

Well,I have watched Kevin Johnson about 3-4 times and he has a great jab but at times thats all he does..jab,jab,jab. However,his last couple of fights he did seem a bit more aggresive than usual. He is a good boxer with fast hands,I dont know how the rest of the package(chin,power etc.)will hold up against one of the top guys but I like to watch the guy fight. As for his mouth,well I think its just a matter of marketing. He is trying to get some attention for himself and since he isnt a huge puncher he is just trying to get some headlines any way he can. He has talent and I'm anxious to see what he will do against a top 5 guy. If he can take a punch,he has the ability to outbox most of the top guys. I always like the cocky fighters anyway,I think they add excitement to the game and the heavyweight division could sure use some excitement. I think guys like Haye and Johnson are just what the doctor ordered,at least they have people talking,which is more than we have had in a long,long time. Both Haye and Johnson may not have the chin to take the punch of the big boys,but I guarantee you that I will be cheering them on. I am tired of the Klitschkos and ready for some exciting fighters.

lethal liberal · 01-10-2009, 04:54 AM

A brief clip of Johnson fighting Barnes. You can see how he uses the jab...I have seen him throw nothing but jabs for 2-3 rounds. However,he has started to mix up his punches a bit more of late. Some consider boxers boring and only like the sluggers but I enjoy watching talented technical fighters as well. Peace fellas. Here is the clip:
YouTube - Kevin Johnson vs. Termell Barnes on 5 Dec 2007

Lee · 01-10-2009, 10:17 AM

I think he would be a safe opponent for Haye and a good test leading into a bigger fight. Haye impresses me much more than Johnson, but one thing Haye better fix quick as a heavy is that bad habit of keeping his left hand down at his waist. He good at subtle head movement, but all it takes is one right hand over the top of that lazy left from a good HW to turn out the lights.

comicfanman · 01-10-2009, 10:57 AM

I love it - that article written by himself has more excitement in it than a lot of heavyweights fights I have seen in some time. I think we need more big mouths out there to stir stuff up.

Can he beat some of the bigger heavier hitters? I don't think so, but good for him for calling them out anyway. We will never know for sure until they are in the ring. Almost no one ever thought Buster would have KO'd Tyson, but it happened. Heavy weights regardless of KO records still have some power and all it take is one punch.

In my opinion the fighters should not be allowed to pick and choose their opponents. The boxing organizations should do this. That would keep things a lot more interesting. And heck I also think if you are a champion you should have to fight 4 times a year no matter what.

Cap · 01-11-2009, 09:55 AM

It's funny. These new guys come up or appear from nowhere and people say they'd never stand up against a top heavyweight, and then you remember that the "Top Heavyweights" these days are lard-buckets, washed-up former contenders, safety-first boxers, and guys who can't seem to throw two-punch combinations. (Sigh!)

Cap

lethal liberal · 01-12-2009, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee

I think he would be a safe opponent for Haye and a good test leading into a bigger fight. Haye impresses me much more than Johnson, but one thing Haye better fix quick as a heavy is that bad habit of keeping his left hand down at his waist. He good at subtle head movement, but all it takes is one right hand over the top of that lazy left from a good HW to turn out the lights.

I agree Lee. Haye is more impressive than Johnson because of his power. Yes,If not corrected,the habit of keeping that hand down will definitely cause him problems against either of the Klitschko brothers. Haye has the power to end a fight with one punch and that is always a plus in this division and a plus with many fans as well. As for Johnson,the one thing that I really like is the fact that he has a very good jab. Now,some fighters use the jab to confuse,and pester an opponent,sort of a defensive move to set up other punches(Ali had this type of jab)while piling up points. Holmes had the other type of jab,the punishing jab that was an offensive weapon as much as any hook,uppercut or cross. Now,I think Ali could use it both ways,as could Holmes,but Holmes jab was the type of jab that could,and did,put some fighters on the canvas. He also used it as a range finder for his devastating right cross.

I have seen Johnson use his jab as sort of a way to set the tempo..not real punishing,but a steady fire that has kept his opponents from establishing a rhythm or getting in proper range to punch. However,I have seen him use his jab in the way that Holmes used to do,as a more powerful,stiff and punishing weapon and it has been effective but he doesnt do that often enough,in fact,I have only seen him set down on the jab a couple of times.

I think that Johnson has the physical tools to at least make a dent in the division. I think he would be well served to study tapes of Larry Holmes and watch how Larry would use the jab to punish and to set up his wicked right cross. I think the jab is a forgotten tool for many fighters and I love to watch a fighter with a good jab that knows how to use it. However,Johnson actually relies on the jab a bit too much,in a couple of his fights the jab was actually about the only punch he threw.

Anyway,sorry to ramble but I was just wondering if anyone else can see the potential that I see in Kevin Johnson? I dont know if he has the power to put the cross to good use but from watching him the last few fights he seems to have a bit more pop than I had previously thought. I know a lot of people dislike the guy and that is understandable,but I think he does have more physical talent than most of the top 15 HW(not saying much I know). Of course,that doesnt always translate into success.

I just hope that he and David Haye can at least get a couple of shots to prove their worth. Both have charisma and the type of personality that you love or hate or love to hate as some say! That is usually a characteristic that can bring interest to the sport and we definitely need it these days..especially in the heavyweight division. Take care fellas..sorry about rambling on.

PWillisTheMan · 01-12-2009, 11:13 AM

I hate this guy. He will be exposed as soon as he steps up.

CONN CHRIS · 01-12-2009, 11:21 AM

I saw him live v. Ron Guerrero back in 2007. The jab was somewhat impressive but what I came away with was an appreciation for the opponent. Take that as you may.

lethal liberal · 01-15-2009, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CONN CHRIS

I saw him live v. Ron Guerrero back in 2007. The jab was somewhat impressive but what I came away with was an appreciation for the opponent. Take that as you may.

I hear ya Chris,seems like I am definitely in the minority as far as Johnson is concerned. I am by no means saying that he is a cant-miss prospect,I just think he has the athletic ability and skills that someone could work with. I think Emanuel Steward would be a good trainer for KJ. I guess it all depends on whether he can take a punch and from the opinion on this forum..odds are against it. Take care fellas..thats what makes the sport fun..the debates.

Beno999 · 01-16-2009, 11:49 AM

It just amazes me how hes calling anyone and everyone a bum, total lack of respect for people who are proven fighters. I guess its all part of self promotion though. Hes not the first to do it and certainly wont be the last.

PWillisTheMan · 01-16-2009, 01:18 PM

I hate this guy. He has a huge mouth and nothing to back it up with. Haye shouldn't even waste his time with this clown. This guy hasn't earned anything. He barely fights and when he does it's against subpar competition.

David may not have the Heavyweight resume. But he was the undisputed champion a division down. He has put in his work to build his name. F Johnson with a rake.

Beno999 · 01-16-2009, 01:33 PM

Here here Pwillis!!!

Cap · 01-17-2009, 08:31 AM

Kevin Johnson is just a name in the phone book.

Cap

01-09-2009, 06:43 PM	#1
Beno999 All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Nottingham, UK Posts: 654	Kevin Johnson - American Heavyweight with TOO MUCH MOUTH Just read an article recently posted on Eastsideboxing.com from the american heavyweight Kevin ' The Kingpin ' Johnson. The guy is unbeaten with a record of 21-0 (8) it might look like hes an up and comer to watch out for, but my god i cant stand this guy and im loving the fact hes bigging himself up against david haye, i want haye to put this guy in his place, he has fought no-one. After reading what he said in this article! Far too much mouth. The Kingpin is set to reign in 2009 __________________

01-09-2009, 06:59 PM	#2
Jersey-Jim Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Toms River, NJ & Sarasota, FL. Posts: 2,702	I've never seen him fight before, but his record seems to indicate that he's not a big puncher. He has only 8 kayos in 21 fights. He may be the kind of fighter who has an awkward style and is hard to look good against. It was sort of a low blow to pick on Frank Bruno. I always liked Frank. He was always in shape and stood out in the age of the Blubber Heavyweights. Unless you had a good chin, Bruno could turn out the lights. I wonder if he could have gotten Wlad Klitschko out of there? __________________ *The Boxing Magazine.com: Sep. 2010 Issue* The 2010 All-Time Heavyweight Champions Tournament Notes From A Title Bout Universe Notes from my All-Time Tournaments Heavyweight \| Light Heavyweight Middleweight \|

01-09-2009, 07:11 PM	#3
Beno999 All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Nottingham, UK Posts: 654	Jim, take a look at the names in that article Johnson claims are big names on his resume, hes a joke. __________________

01-10-2009, 12:31 AM	#5
Jersey-Jim Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Toms River, NJ & Sarasota, FL. Posts: 2,702	I remember watching Bruno's first fight against Terrible Tim Witherspoon. Watching Tim fight was, you know, terrible. Tim was one of those fighters who only fought about 30 seconds of a 3 minute round. He had a great chin for the most part. For most of the round, you'd watch him wondering how good he could actually be if he fought with any type of aggression. Anyway, Frank did fine in that fight until he ran out of gas in the championship rounds. Then Witherspoon landed his best punch, that sort of "overhand" right, and Frank got into that "I'm just gonna lay here against the ropes for a bit until the referee stops the fight" pose. Frank could punch, though. Yeah, both Klitschko's probably would have stopped Bruno, but he probably would have done better overall fighting in the current era than back in the late 80's - early 90's. __________________ *The Boxing Magazine.com: Sep. 2010 Issue* The 2010 All-Time Heavyweight Champions Tournament Notes From A Title Bout Universe Notes from my All-Time Tournaments Heavyweight \| Light Heavyweight Middleweight \|

01-10-2009, 04:47 AM	#6
lethal liberal All Star Starter Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Logan,WV Posts: 1,145	Well,I have watched Kevin Johnson about 3-4 times and he has a great jab but at times thats all he does..jab,jab,jab. However,his last couple of fights he did seem a bit more aggresive than usual. He is a good boxer with fast hands,I dont know how the rest of the package(chin,power etc.)will hold up against one of the top guys but I like to watch the guy fight. As for his mouth,well I think its just a matter of marketing. He is trying to get some attention for himself and since he isnt a huge puncher he is just trying to get some headlines any way he can. He has talent and I'm anxious to see what he will do against a top 5 guy. If he can take a punch,he has the ability to outbox most of the top guys. I always like the cocky fighters anyway,I think they add excitement to the game and the heavyweight division could sure use some excitement. I think guys like Haye and Johnson are just what the doctor ordered,at least they have people talking,which is more than we have had in a long,long time. Both Haye and Johnson may not have the chin to take the punch of the big boys,but I guarantee you that I will be cheering them on. I am tired of the Klitschkos and ready for some exciting fighters. __________________ Member of UTBA Coach of Left Jab Inc (You have to be great to be consistently mediocre) Title Bout devotee since 79 The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have little. FDR

01-10-2009, 04:54 AM	#7
lethal liberal All Star Starter Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Logan,WV Posts: 1,145	A brief clip of Johnson fighting Barnes. You can see how he uses the jab...I have seen him throw nothing but jabs for 2-3 rounds. However,he has started to mix up his punches a bit more of late. Some consider boxers boring and only like the sluggers but I enjoy watching talented technical fighters as well. Peace fellas. Here is the clip: YouTube - Kevin Johnson vs. Termell Barnes on 5 Dec 2007 __________________ Member of UTBA Coach of Left Jab Inc (You have to be great to be consistently mediocre) Title Bout devotee since 79 The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have little. FDR

01-10-2009, 10:17 AM	#8
Lee Global Moderator Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The Scorched Desert Posts: 4,653	I think he would be a safe opponent for Haye and a good test leading into a bigger fight. Haye impresses me much more than Johnson, but one thing Haye better fix quick as a heavy is that bad habit of keeping his left hand down at his waist. He good at subtle head movement, but all it takes is one right hand over the top of that lazy left from a good HW to turn out the lights.

01-10-2009, 10:57 AM	#9
comicfanman All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 1,821	I love it - that article written by himself has more excitement in it than a lot of heavyweights fights I have seen in some time. I think we need more big mouths out there to stir stuff up. Can he beat some of the bigger heavier hitters? I don't think so, but good for him for calling them out anyway. We will never know for sure until they are in the ring. Almost no one ever thought Buster would have KO'd Tyson, but it happened. Heavy weights regardless of KO records still have some power and all it take is one punch. In my opinion the fighters should not be allowed to pick and choose their opponents. The boxing organizations should do this. That would keep things a lot more interesting. And heck I also think if you are a champion you should have to fight 4 times a year no matter what. __________________ HOW YA LIKE ME NOW?

01-11-2009, 09:55 AM	#10
Cap Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Large Province in God's Country Posts: 8,065	It's funny. These new guys come up or appear from nowhere and people say they'd never stand up against a top heavyweight, and then you remember that the "Top Heavyweights" these days are lard-buckets, washed-up former contenders, safety-first boxers, and guys who can't seem to throw two-punch combinations. (Sigh!) Cap __________________ "...There were Giants in Those Days.."

01-12-2009, 11:13 AM	#12
PWillisTheMan Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 3,418	I hate this guy. He will be exposed as soon as he steps up.

01-12-2009, 11:21 AM	#13
CONN CHRIS Global Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 29,136	I saw him live v. Ron Guerrero back in 2007. The jab was somewhat impressive but what I came away with was an appreciation for the opponent. Take that as you may. __________________ Check Out My Cards!

01-16-2009, 11:49 AM	#15
Beno999 All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Nottingham, UK Posts: 654	It just amazes me how hes calling anyone and everyone a bum, total lack of respect for people who are proven fighters. I guess its all part of self promotion though. Hes not the first to do it and certainly wont be the last. __________________

01-16-2009, 01:18 PM	#16
PWillisTheMan Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 3,418	I hate this guy. He has a huge mouth and nothing to back it up with. Haye shouldn't even waste his time with this clown. This guy hasn't earned anything. He barely fights and when he does it's against subpar competition. David may not have the Heavyweight resume. But he was the undisputed champion a division down. He has put in his work to build his name. F Johnson with a rake.

01-16-2009, 01:33 PM	#17
Beno999 All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Nottingham, UK Posts: 654	Here here Pwillis!!! __________________

01-17-2009, 08:31 AM	#18
Cap Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Large Province in God's Country Posts: 8,065	Kevin Johnson is just a name in the phone book. Cap __________________ "...There were Giants in Those Days.."