I will admit I still hold Lucian Bute in the "Unknown" catagory.
Obviously talented enough to beat middle of the road guys, but still untested serious contenders (lets assume because of the super six tournament and not because of lack of faith from promoters).
The fight against Johnson will go a long way in establishing Bute as either Hypefull or Hopefull in my book.
But...since I am neither a Bute apologist nor a detractor, which this forum is CLEARY full of...
What does Bute have to do to convince you he is legit?
Is a points victory enough to quiet the haters?
I think to erase the lingering doubts Bute needs to look amazing.
Im sorry, but for all the hype, a workmanlike split decision doesnt do it for me.
If he stops him, or even just drops him a few times...I'll be shouting for the tops names in the division to face him.
If he eeks out a sad win, or worse gets a gift...I'll want most of you fanboys to stfu. =)
in order to impress me, Bute has to set the pace and control the fight from start to finish. yes, there will be times when Johnson will get through, and this is where i am expecting Bute to shine. Bute will have to not only defend himself, but use each of Johnson's "opportunistic attacks" against him by establishing a counterpunch counterattack. If he can do this effectively he will TKO or KO Johnson. just my take...