Klitschko v. Johnson: Heavyweight Lamb to Slaughter?

HBO goes right to the fight post Malignaggi/Diaz, as taped earlier in an apparently empty ring in Bern, Switzerland. No question that Johnson is a huge underdog, probably no less than Buster Douglas was against Tyson. the difference is that Klitschko is not a fool convinced he no longer has to train. He is a smart and dedicated champion with a massive reach advantage.

ROUND ONE - Johnson is laying way back on the ropes and it seems Johnson is trying to wait him out, maybe tire Klitschko out. Johnson mounts almost no offense and loses the round on aggression alone 10-9.

ROUND TWO - Klitschko picking up the pace and trying to drop a big right hand in behind a shoving jab. Johnson almost completely defensive, but not yet hurt. Finally with a minute left, they move to ring center...but Johnson not seeming to try to punch...just trying to survive. Johnson is a big guy himself, not so dwarfed as many of Klitschko's opponents are...but he's still the smaller man. As the round ends, Klitschko begins to land and it's easily Klitschko's round 20-18.

ROUND THREE - Knowing nothing about Johnson, I called this fight to end by KO in round five. We'll see. Johnson is mugging for Klitschko as he lays on the ropes and invites him in. He's still getting the worst of it as Klitschko goes up 30-27.

ROUND FOUR - Johnson is clearly unafraid in there and is, as Kellerman describes, a skilled defensive fighter...but he's not showing any offense. Lennox Lewis speculates that Johnson is waiting unti the later rounds, but not showing enough offense to win rounds is going to be tough to overcome. Klitschko IS red around his left eye and his mouth is hanging open, so some of Johnson's flicking jabs are finding their mark. Johnson is talking to Klitschko a LOT and taunting him as the round ends. It's fun to watch, if it's a strategy intended to enrage Klitschko...it may be working...though that may be a crazy strategy. Again, it's easily Klitschko's round...though closer this time 40-36.

ROUND FIVE - Johnson scoring well with his flicking jab even while eating right hands. He's behind halfway through, but not by as much. Johnson is not being dominated, which is something that is not the case with many Klitschko opponents and Vitali does look more, if not exactly tired, then...interested in trying to get rid of Johnson so he can stop having to work so hard. Still Klitschko's round though 50-45.

ROUND SIX - With a minute left, Klitschko is not doing anything effective and Johnson landing. Johnson ducks his head a lot. I can give this one to Johnson in good conscience. Klitschko was definitely the aggressor, but Johnson was more effective and landed a lot of counter jabs and one nice left hook. It becomes 59-55 favoring Klitschko.

ROUND SEVEN - Klitschko starting to get a little wild, seemingly interested in getting Johnson out of there. Johnson is not hurt and against Klitchko that is an accomplishment. More of the same, but Johnson not landing as much. Vitali takes the round, going up 69-64.

ROUND EIGHT - Lennox speculating earlier than Vitali may have a bum right shoulder because he's not turning over his punches with that hand and I don't disagree, but then Johnson is a good boxer and not giving Klitschko good looks, even if he's overmatched. Johnson slips a lot of punches, but he's not throwing enough big punches to give himself a chance. Johnson closes strong, stinging Klitschko with jabs...but it's not enough as Vitali is more effective and aggressive all round long, going up 79-73.

ROUND NINE - A carbon copy of past rounds with Johson laying on the ropes here and there and everywhere and Klitschko standing in front of him, stalking him and throwing...missing mostly and hitting enough. Vitali goes up 89-82.

ROUND TEN - Johnson completely defensive, not even bothering to try to punch. He's avoiding the worst of the punishment that Vitali is trying to dole out, but that's not going to get him anything. Johnson is not engaging, bobbing and weaving instead...as if demonstrating boxing skill without punching is an art. It is. It's a losing art. 99-91 for Klitschko.

ROUND ELEVEN - Lennox calls it kind of like a sparring session where a guy is working on his defense against a big man. All of the HBO team discussion focuses on Johnson's failure to mount or even attempt to mount any offense. Johnson taunts Klitschko at rounds end, as if his aggression while the clock is ticking actually exists. It doesn't, in any measure that might win him a round. Vitali's round again, making it 109-100.

ROUND TWELVE - We keep waiting for the cocky Johnson to come out of his bobbing crouch fighting...but he never does and with a minute left, it becomes clear he never will. He's satisfied to not get KO'd. And even now, Vitali trying to close the show...but Johnson continues to dodge and bob and weave.

At the fight's end, Johnson shows some heart, literally in the last ten seconds, lets his hands go. Not the time to do it. It's still a walkover, just not a KO. Final Tally: 119-109 for Klitschko. The official scorecards 120-108, 120-108 and 119-109. As it should be. Not close, but twelve good rounds of work. Pretty much a shutout.