Marvin Johnson versus Galindez: Mechanics of Counter Right
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wxHcb4cJco
Critical historical look backs often reveal technique and game plan can override style and boxing ability in many cases. The case in point this reporter wishes to cite is Marvin Johnson versus the late Victor Galindez for the WBA World Light Heavyweight title held by Galindez, held on November 30, 1979, at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Galindez, whose career record was 55-9-4 with 34 knockouts, was appearing in his fourteenth and final WBA World Light Heavyweight title bout. Johnson, whose career record of 43-6 included 35 knockouts, fought in seven WBC and WBA world title bouts and held both titles. Here, the former WBC champion would win the WBA title in unique fashion, demonstrating the art of the counter.
The bout was a classic power shot slugfest, with both fighters fighting for position on the inside and teeing off. Both fighters wanted to land their power shots and get the other guy out of there, making for a most interesting television bout, for as long as it lasted in the old fifteen round world title era.
Galindez, moving forward with pressure on the taller Johnson, simply had to fight his way on the inside and take the fight to Johnson. Just after the eleventh round ended, as the slugfest continued, Galindez got caught in front on Johnson out of position trying to throw a left, and Johnson countered with a short power right Galindez did not see. Galindez went down and out in a dramatic ending, unable to get up, knocked out at 20 seconds of the round. Johnson had correctly timed the shorter Galindez and waited for the power counter to find the bullseye. At times, talented champions have overconfidently believed their ability to hit with power could tide them through any storm standing in front of talented opponents. As Michael Moorer experienced against George Foreman, getting caught with a short power shot by a serious counter hitter can have serious consequences.
Galindez fought once more six months later, losing a 12 round WBC cruiserweight world title eliminator to Jesse Burnett. In October 1980, Galindez died at 31 when his new career as a race car driver ended on the first lap. His car broke down, and Galindez was run over walking away from the car to the pits. Johnson retired in May 1987 when he lost his WBA title in a rematch with Leslie Stewart in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
COMMENTS
English