Vitali Klitschko Earns Unanimous Decision
Vitali Klitschko (39-2) left little to dispute inside the ring, handily earning a unanimous decision over previously undefeated Kevin Johnson (22-1–1) in an absolute mismatch of heavyweight fighters. Klitschko pitched a shutout on two judges’ cards 120-108 and earned a 119-109 score on the third judge’s card. The fight was held at PostFinance Arena in Berne, Switzerland.
Fight fans left the arena with little excitement after a boring, non-action affair. From the earliest onset of the fight, Klitschko was the stalker with Johnson on the defense. With his masterful jab and fluent agility, Klitschko pecked away with Johnson constantly backing himself up along the ropes, round after round. Klitschko dictated the pace as Johnson bobbed, weaved, ducked and ran without trying mount much of a counterattack.
By round 4, the mismatch was obvious as Klitschko pelted Johnson with shot after shot. Klitschko was unable to land solid shots due to Johnson’s constant head movement, but received nothing in response. Although Johnson jawed at Klitschko throughout the fight about not hurting him, all the action came from his mouth rather than his fists.
In the final round, Klitschko finally broke through with a hard right that shook Johnson. Klitschko followed with another hard right and initiated a barrage of shots on Johnson along the ropes. It was clear Klitschko was irritated by Johnson’s inaction and jawing, trying desperately to finish him off before the bell. Johnson survived, which was his game plan coming into the fight.
A truly shameful effort by Kevin Johnson. Championship belt shots don’t come that often and should never be squandered in such a fashion. Not only did he disgrace himself in the ring, he took away an opportunity from another worthy fighter that would have given their best effort. While Chris Arreola might have been beaten by Klitschko as handily, at least he put up a fight and left the ring with his respect know he gave it his best shot. Johnson never attempted an aggressive attack the entire fight, an embarrassing accomplishment.
The heavyweight division continues to limp along with the two Klitschko brothers leading the pack, miles ahead of everyone else. Hopefully we will get to see the brothers hook it up against one another by the end of 2010. It would be a fantastic way for both to end their careers, just as they started them, duking it out against one another. Not to mention a huge payday fight for both.
Tags: boxing, Chris Arreola, Kevin Johnson, Vitali Klitschko
