Klitschko defeats Johnson
December 12th, 2009
Photo credit: Sumio Yamada – By Eric Thomas: WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko defeated challenger Kevin Johnson by a lopsided 12 round decision tonight in Bern, Switzerland. Johnson, 30, never was very competitive as he threw nothing but jabs all night long. By the 8th, Johnson began to tire out and absorb punishment on the ropes and mainly just cover up and try to spoil. The final judges’ scores were 119-109, 120 and 120-108.
The bout stayed on course in rounds two and three with Johnson remaining glued to the ropes, throwing jabs and trying to time Vitali so that he could land a rare right hand or left in between Klitschko’s shots. Vitali looked very relaxed in there, making it seem as if he was working over a lazy sparring partner. Only by looking at the huge crowd did one realize that this was an actual world title fight and not a glorified sparring session. Johnson was really stinking up the joint with his poor rope-a-dope strategy.
I’d seen boxing great Muhammad Ali employ the famous rope-a-dope technique against slugger George Foreman in their fight in the 70s. However, Ali was much better offensively and was able to land punches with both hands in between Foreman’s big shots. Johnson wasn’t doing this. Instead, he was mostly just taking shots and throwing back an occasional flicking jab.
In the 4th round, Johnson fought a lot better, landing some nice jabs and cutting Klitschko’s right eye with one of them. Towards the end of the round, Johnson began to get a little cocky, kissing his glove at one point after landing a nice jab. Klitschko, however, responded with a big right hand that caught Johnson cleanly and seem to more than make up for the jabs that he had been hit with.
Klitschko continued his domination in the 5th. It was the most one-sided round up until this point in the fight. Klitschko hammered Johnson over and over again with right hands and left hooks. Johnson began to lean way over to the right to avoid getting hit with the fight hands from Klitschko. However, Vitali then began to land left hooks.
In the 6th and 7th rounds, Johnson continued to jab and take shots. Klitschko dominated the 6th round with his steady work. However, in the 7th, Johnson was able to catch Klitschko repeatedly with hard jabs, snapping his head back each time. It was a close round, and you could possibly score it for Johnson because he finished the round strong by jabbing Klitschko repeatedly to the head.
The bout changed entirely in the 8th round, as Vitali seemed to turn it up a notch while Johnson’s jabs became more and more infrequent. Vitali dominated the round, hitting Johnson with some solid right hands. At one point, he landed a shot to the back of Johnson’s head when Kevin leaned forward exposing the back of his head to a punch. Johnson was quick to complain to the referee about it, even though it was his own fault for leaning forward and exposing the back of his head to Klitschko.
The 9th and 10th rounds were especially one-sided rounds, with Klitschko tagging Johnson at will with shots. By this point, Johnson looked tired and was doing nothing more than trying to make Klitschko look bad. It was sad that Johnson wasn’t willing to throw punches, because he was taking shots and losing round after round. He might not have been getting hit hard all the time, but the culminative damage seemed to be adding up.
In the 11th and 12th rounds, Klitschko began to try harder to score a knockout, loading up on his shots more and more. Sensing this, Johnson teased Klitschko, shaking his head after being hit with right hands and giving him grief when he would land a jab to the face. At the end of the 11th, Johnson attempted to nail Klitschko with a right hand, but it missed. In the 12th, Klitscchko went all out trying to score a knockout.
He landed some hard shots to the head of Johnson, and at one point seemed to have Johnson looking a little rattled, if not hurt. Klitschko raised his left hand in the air near the end of the round, trying to play to the crowd. Johnson didn’t seem to like this, began to throw more jabs. In the last seconds of the round, Johnson landed a good right hand that knocked Vitali off balance.
After the fight ended, the two stood staring at each other standing at the center of the ring, leaning against each other. Wladimir Klitschko, Vitali’s brother came over to put his hands on Johnson’s shoulder to make sure that no rough stuff would start up between the two fighters. Johnson immediately turned around and shoved Wladimir, at which point Wladimir put his hands in the air, as if to say ‘I’m not doing anything.’
Tags: 61 Responses to “Klitschko defeats Johnson”
Leave a Reply
please use above banner to link back to us!
First of all if I were Vitali Klitchko, I would not even fight David Haye.
**David Haye does not qualify even to be associated with the one of the best, if not the best boxer of all time.
**Haye must prove himself by fighting Arreola, or Johnson(I can’t see Haye going five rounds with either one.)
Johnson disgraced boxing, his boxing licence needs to be revoked.Johnson is bad for boxing.
My last comment: Klitchko Brothers are not boring.
They just do not have any competition!!!!!!!
vinboy
What nearly? I know what a KO is and a TKO and even a standing count but I don’t know what a nearly KO is?
Why do Americans even bother to travel, its like they leave their balls at home!
Johnson is knit wit.
Why is it that I have only heard contract complaints from David Haye and no one else ?????
Do people honestly think that the Klitschko brothers are so terrified of him that they want to make him sell his soul in a contract.
The only reason they wanted him to fight both of them is because they are intelligent and know that Haye’s antics market well.
People will pay a lot of money to watch either of the brothers spank him in the ring.
Two positive things came from this event. Kevin Johnson was able to further perfect his defence and we didnt have to listen to Michael Buffers introduction.
John
Haye was tied down in some stupid sh*t as contract with those 2 ukrainian clowns and he picked up an injury.
Thats not running, thats called good business sense.
Now he can fight both of those fas on more sensible terms, as he now has something to bring to the table. The WBA belt
I didn’t see anything in the fight with Valuev that made me think hey this guy can beat Vitali. What actually happened that Chagaev and Holyfield didn’t do. I know Holyfield didnt get the discion but we all know who won. Holyfield would give Haye a difficult time don’t make him something he isn’t.
the fans frustration with the heavy weights will be over soon, coz haye will unify the heavies by KOing the KLitkos into retirement. Mark my words.
@ Cam: Cam Says:
December 13th, 2009 at 7:45 am
Oh, & Haye has a very, very good chance against your heroes Ryan!!!!!!
They are good but seriously ask yourself why has neither of them faced, Povetkin(olympic gold medalist), solis (olympic gold medalist) or even Valuev (who everyone seems to ridicule now that Haye has beat him)!!
Cam: Haye had contracts with both Klitschkos and both times he “simply run away”, to take a chance to get the most easiest title! Just check, which guys have been knocked out by the Klitschkos and how many heavy weight fights have been done by Haye? PLEASE be realistic
no 57, Andrew: Both Wladimir and Vitali can be very entertaining if they fight someone who actually comes to fight and to win.
YES, you are 1000% right.
How can you make a fight, when only 1 guys “wants” and the other guy is a “baby with big mouth only”. ?
2 useless boxers, my god the worst fight ever
the worst heavyweight title fight in history, 2 cr boxers & Haye would devastate both of these clowns
Haye, Haye??? He had contracts with Vitali and Vladimir ….. and run away 2 times to “beat” a guy, who is big, but not a boxer.
And some guys think, that Haye will beat any Klitschko?
How much fights has he had in Heavy Weight? 20, 30 ……..? No..! 1 (one!)
Please calm down.
Even it is a pitty, there is NOBODY, who is able to fight against 1 of those 2 brothers.
And Johnson? Big mouth ….. but he was concentrated 100% on defense. (!!???) If I get a title shot, is this the right strategy? No, it is a joke! Johnson should continue to fight 2nd or 3rd class boxers, to keep his “records” fine.
Rob, fair point! I do think though that Haye will finally give him a half decent fight. (i say him when im referring ti Vitali. Wladimir will not cope with the speed & power of Haye. In my opinion)
Wow, some sensible debating on this website!!
If Vitali is so good why didn’t he knocked Johnson out?
That fight was awful only due to Johnson fighting so negatively.
Vitali Klitschko is so good that he can adapt his style to any opponent.
Johnson exposed NOTHING about Vitali !!!!!
People are so quick to forget the excellent speed and movement he showed against Arreola.
Both Wladimir and Vitali can be very entertaining if they fight someone who actually comes to fight and to win.
What a joker Johnson is. Did he come to fight or stick his tongue out? He was a disgrace and nothing can be judged by a fight when one of the competitors refuses to participate. Thes types of clowns should forfeit their purse for non performance.
Johnson should of stayed in bed thats how useless he was, being the most important night of his career and fighting for the biggest prize in his profession he was diabolical, I hope he quits.
Haye Must be licking his lips, Vitali was st and keving Burger kingpin johnson was even sher.I fed up of the division, and im fed up with those 2 bums from the Ukraine, Sooner David unifies the division the better
I think Johnson exposed an ageing Vitali last night.
Vitali couldn’t land more than one ore two powershot right hands during the whole fight against a limited opponent with just a half-decent head movement.
He looked really slow, and Johnson’s very ocasional jabs did damage the champ’s right eye.
If Vitali fights like that against Haye, he’s in for trouble…
Cam: the answer to why neither of them faced the olympic gold’s… 1) Povetkin, was 1st in line for Wlad but pulled out because of an injury giving the spot to Chambers. 2) Solis, just recently into play with wins over Burnett (who?), Alexander and a shot Barrett. So maybe next year. 3) Valuev, remember the controverse after his loss to Chagaev, SD to RUIZ (!!!) and the decision against a 46 y.o. Holyfield (!!!!). He first had to deal with the Chagaev and Ruiz rematches wich never took place and the he lost to a running Haye for crying out loud! Maybe he can go for Ruiz if he can hustle Haye out of his title.
Good job Vitali Klitschko
Did the king written on Johnsons trunks mean he was sponsered by burgerking.
Oh, & Haye has a very, very good chance against your heroes Ryan!!!!!!
They are good but seriously ask yourself why has neither of them faced, Povetkin(olympic gold medalist), solis (olympic gold medalist) or even Valuev (who everyone seems to ridicule now that Haye has beat him)!!
Klitchko’s do not fight any boxers with amateur pedigree & talent. Well, sorry they do fight some washed up fat guys that used to have the afore mentioned the one and only time Vitali has fought a proper fit, healthy (although slightly old) ex olimpian amateur he got ripped to shredds and if the fight had continued he wouldn’t be fighting today (lewis, btw)!!!
Ryan, the USSR had over 300 million people! UK has 60!!
Every fighter & worker that came out of countries such as Belarus, Ukraine, Geogia (former USSR btw)….etc, has far more determination because they are out to prove themselves, their national identity and the talent they have longed to show off!! Like the US of boxing yester-year!
Compare the USA and former USSR to each other, not the UK. We are not the same size or of the same mentality!!!
Boring boring boring. Every single fight against a Klitchko looks like a carbon copy of the fight before. Their opponants say the same things before the fight then dont do any of what they said.
The problem is Vitali has already beaten all the top contenders to his crown and now they are having to take people from the 2nd tier and thats just guna make for even worse fights.
Ofcourse thats where David Haye comes in, whether you like him or not, whether you think hes capable of beating a Klitchko or not atleast you know your guna get something different than the same old rubbish were having to watch fight after fight.
First: Johnson was awful.
Second: Vitalij is getting older and slower. He was extremely slow. And because the speed his punches getting weaker.
That’s it America’s Prise? Man what a Shame
never Try to Win, panties Full of it and still trashtalking what Great Things he’s going to do, who Might that be ?
Yea right another so called angloamerican contender, that will
destroy vitali, lol
and please stop Talking about haye who Even didn’ make it to the Ring because of His Fear
vitali is Not that Complete skilled fighter, He Never showed à Left hook for example, but get Used to it, there is noone out there beeting him, Not even Wladimir
Haye will spark him out
i have just watched the fight and to be honest david haye would be by far the best oponent vitali has face apart from lennox lewis and would give vitali a proper fight
johnson ruined his future, he fought scared and yet trash talked, silly, embarassing…by the way, vitali had a nick over his left eye, he was not cut up in the least
Personally i think some of you are a bit optimistic and maybe caught IN the “David Haye Ego.” Haye is not nearly as wonderful and just cos he is british doesn’t mean he is a great boxer. I think that the brits are dying to have a man stand tall in the heavyweight division, the problem though is he is going to have to get past Klitschko and say what you will but Vitali is no push over.
Lets see what happens.
Aside from the Klitchkos, the heavyweight division does not have fighters with the heart and will to win. At least the other divisions are competitive. Heavyweights today are mostly talk.
so winning against vcitaly is going 12? it is called fighting.
haye is famous for tiring early and hardly threw a punch when he won the so-called ‘title’ making him don king’s paper champion…but i dont think he can beat either k bro, thou it is hard to tell, he hasnt fought anyone and apparently doesnt plan to in the near future…ruiz next and then the giant again, and he fights once a year, that will be 2 more years without haye fighting a real contender.
haye was so exciting in his fight…when does he plan to get in the ring with a legitimate contender? is english latin for brain dead?? dont you want him to win one legitimate fight before become a legend..
haye was far more boring that vitali and against a far less-talented fighter, where do you haye ball lickers get all this…when is he going to fight someone??? anyone with a pulse? he seems to have to real fight scheduled in his future….ruiz? are you kidding, thedn what holyfield maybe of the hapless giant again…??? is english latin for brain dead?
tomasz adamek is comming
Now this was a good fight not like boring as haye, compare that mr. chicken sht burger, is what you eat.
Also Dr. Chicken Burger. When you have smell coming from your poop, thats taking a sht. Good to know you sht your pants while watching the fight. You ride the little yellow bus?
David Haye wouldnt even get past Johnson if they ever faught. Viatali would and will beat David Haye into a bloody pulp. Then wladimir will do the same. Then finally this big mouth btch will be shut up for good.
What a stupid idiot. Johnson was continuously taunting Klitschko, even in 12th round when he knew he was loosing bad.
I hope he retires, st.. what a waste of time for Klitschko AND for us.
HAYE MUST BE LICKIN HIS CHOPS HE WILL DESTROY MR BORING KLITSCHKO’S
haye and johnson are dating.
what happened to dave lahr prediction ? what happened to johnsons prediction that it was HIS time, and he’d shake up the whole scene ?
just goes to prove most US fighters are built up to be world beaters, only to look poor at best when in at the deep end.
johnson had no right to be in that ring. he was never worthy of his shot.never competitive in the fight, and wont get another title shot, cos he just aint damn good enough.
Well it was he made klitschko miss a lot a defensive performance is a lot different from an offensive performance. Just cause he didn’t win doesn’t mean he didn’t defend well. He’s also the 2nd person to go the distance.
haye will finish hes career. then move on to wladmi. now that will be an interesting fight
I wernt that impressed with Vitali tonight, although we have to take in to account that Johnson made Klitchsko look bad! , But if Vatli is getting older and slows down like he looked tonight , does any1 think that Haye’s speed could beat vatali and we saw how easy he cuts!
if vitali fights tired like that against haye he will def lose, johnson was awful and vitali still cudnt knock him out
Well Haye will certainly make much more of a fight, he`ll follow his jab up with the right and he wont allow Vitaly to to cut the ring off and i think he`ll cut Vitalys face up with that fast Jab as Johnson did. Will be a good fight whoever wins
Of course he was negative…. He’s American!
I surely hope that was the last I have ever seen of Kevin Jokeson. Every decent fighter in the hw division would have beaten this clown tonight. I think this wasn’t a good performance of Vitali either, he should have mixed up his shots more and just steamroll that lame excuse for a fighter.
a good defensive performance? Oh please mike. Two judges didn’t give him a round! Yhats a bad performance, defensive or otherwise.
ricki malone wtf are you talking about?
the reason no one sees them as anything special is because they are in a division with a load of obese fighters, and there boring tyson was one of the most exciting things to ever happen to boxing so if i was you i would shut my mouth
Boring!!!! this is what is wrong with boxing! he shouldn’t have been fighting this guy!!!!!!!!
Johnson put on a very good defensive performance but thats about it. Very boring fight, credit to klitchsko for trying to make it entertaining =)
Can’t be right! I’m sure a writer on here (dave lahr?) PREDICTED Vitali would look old in this fight and have his face mangled. I mean, everyone knows how prophetic some writers on here can be! (Gilf, Peres & Santiagro particularly!)
what a bum!! is there any one left in the heavy weight division?? at least i saw a very spirited effort from brian the beast minto vs chris arreola. last decent heavy weight standing is david tua? what a shame the heavy weight division has gotten?!!!
Johnson had no chance of winning with that negative attitude, shame he has a very effective jab which cut up Vitaly`s face and he has good movement but where was the follow up to the fast stiff jabs???? Plus his chin was strong, he should have gone all in, Haye wont let Vitaly cut the ring off like he did tonight and will certainly follow the jab with the right, ohwell too bad……
scores were 120-108 120-108 119-109.
But what a negative performance of Johnson, he was never even trying to win!