We did Beterbiev and Bivol against the top guys of the Golden Age but how do they fare against the 1A class?
Lets see either of these soviet frauds get past the oracle Rossman before we get to these type matchups
They both have a good chance against Galindez, especially Bivol, as Galindez was best as a counterpuncher. Bivol wouldn't come at him.
I was thinking Beterbiev could have some success against Pops if he followed the EMM plan and attacked the body but he'd have to walk through hell to do it. I think Johnson wins but it could be interesting. I think Bivol is just to basic to get past Johnson. Agree about Bivol making Galindez uncomfortable but he probably doesn't do enough to get a decision. Galindez-Beterbiev would be a good one.
Bivol and Beter both beat Johnson imo. I think Galindez has a better shot at both but would favor bivol and beter.
I strongly disagree about Johnson especially against Bivol. Beterbiev has the better chance. Looking at some of Johnson's fights again I was surprised at how quick his hands were especially in combination. He eats Bivol up.
Mate Parlov would probably be the best win until Galindez. Leslie Stewart was a good late career win. He came up short against Spinks and the Muhammads but that's no knock on him.
Johnson was tough but his skills don't stand up to Beter's or Bivol's imo. Specifically, I don't think someone with Johnson's defensive deficits is going to beat either Bivol or Beter.
Johnson's biggest weakness was that he tended to fade against the best in the later rounds. Spinks was the only one that just sparked him out of there. That's why I think Beterbiev has the better chance against him if he could take his power. Johnson was able to get to Parlov and Galindez by disrupting their rhythm with his own jab and then ripping off power shots. I see him being able to do the same to Bivol. He hurt both of them badly when they were trying to time him and land counters.
Bivol looks more fluid and probably has a bit more pop but Parlov was a tall, lanky southpaw and tough as nails. Johnson was his only stoppage loss. Probably be a tactical affair.
Parlov was one of those guys that doesn't look dangerous but he's effective as hell at what he does. He was able to frustrate Saad and John Conteh with that long jab and looping left.