Quote Originally Posted by p4pking View Post
Quote Originally Posted by Bilbo View Post
Make no mistake, Johnson may not be a big name but he IS a test for Haye. I'd say he represents a bigger test than Maskaev, Rahman and Guinn.

He's unbeaten and has beaten the kind of guys a decent prospect should beat.

Wins over Robert Hawkins, Robert Wiggins and Damian Wills show he's a decent prospect. These are the kind of guys that the Maskaev's, Guinns, Arreola's and Audley Harrisons built their records on and so to have beaten them all shows he's no mug.

A draw with Timor Ibragimov in his 4th fight as well, this kid may not be able to punch but he can certainly box and will be a tough test for Haye.

If I was in Hayes camp I'd much rather fight someone with the name profile of a Rahman or Maskaev who will likely be a lot easier to beat than this guy.

If Haye takes this fight people shouldn't underestimate him.

No 20-0-1 fighter should ever be written off as a nobody, especially not by a guy essentially making his debut in the heavyweight division against him.

Tough fight for Haye and props to him if he takes this tricky fight.
Exactly my take.. Anyone who thinks Haye should be taking on a tougher opponent for his HW debut, much less those who would criticize him for taking this fight, simply overrate David Haye grossly. It's just ludicrous to expect him to have no problems fighting a big HW with real power right away. I would almost call this a pick em personally, Johnson has a very good jab and is schooled. We don't know whether he can really take a good shot or keep his cool under fire, but then again Haye has pretty much proven he can't either. And maybe Johnson does hit hard enough to put him out. If not he'll certainly put up a good tactical account of himself, it's not like Haye is some master boxer by any means, Johnson probably has far better skills. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Haye lost this, and it would definetly be impressive if he does a number on Johnson. Good matchup.
I think that Haye will school Johnson to be honest if they do fight. I would be extremely shocked if he got beat anyway