Cloud is rubbish at controlling distance

[Shadows]

My copy of the fight started going a bit crazy during the seventh round and I'm currently DLing a new one, so I can really only comment on what I saw in rounds 1-6.

Cloud's definitely got some good hand speed, but he takes time off because he tends to explode out with his punches and load up. Johnson was taking advantage of these inactive periods, working his jab and right hands.

Cloud likes to shoulder roll and go for the counter right hand/uppercut. He landed a nice counter with it every so often, but I thought Johnson was landing far more chopping right hands than he was rolling. He needs to really get the timing down or stop doing it, IMO.

I was a bit let down by his inside game in this fight, Johnson was doing the most work (thus far). I thought he'd try and bully him, imposing his youth and strength, especially as Johnson did look a bit soft. He definitely looked better from mid to long range, IMO.

All in all, Cloud is a bit raw, but he's got potential. I think he'd be better off letting his punches flow and not loading up, rather than just exploding with a series of power shots. Thought he should've used his jab more as well.

[Devils Advocate]

You don't think most of that was Cloud just taking time off? Being that he's so explosive which uses a lot of energy, Cloud goes through stretches of time of not doing anything. I don't think that's being confused I think that's just conserving energy, imo.



Agreed. That's why I don't like when people say Cloud has NO CHANCE at all. I think Dawson should be favored, but Cloud shouldn't be ruled out entirely and labeled a no hoper. Dude has explosive power and the right kind of style that has already been shown to bother Dawson.

Glen Johnson has one of the best chins in the business. He took shots that would have nearly killed any other fighter and in the last ten years I can't remember anybody coming close to putting Johnson out like as Cloud came close. Ring rust and fatigue definately played a part in Cloud's performance and yeah he may not be the most technical guy but Glen Johnson came damn close to stopping Dawson and so did Adamek. If Cloud explodes on Dawson early then Dawson will be forced to go into survial mode the rest of the fight and possibly get KO'd in the process. In defense of Dawson he's the complete package and could easisly outclass Cloud but Cloud has that game changing power. I would hate to fight him in a 4-6 round fight.