Delante Johnson’s soft matchmaking weakens Terence Crawford links

Delante “Tiger” Johnson has completed 18 professional fights without facing a proven 147-pound contender, weakening comparisons with Terence Crawford. The 28-year-old former United States Olympian has eight knockouts, but remains between prospect and contender status after years of carefully managed matchmaking.

Brian McIntyre, who became Johnson’s head trainer before the Christopher Guerrero fight, sees qualities in him that remind him of Crawford. McIntyre believes Johnson’s dedication, willingness to fight and natural ability could allow him to develop into a similar fighter. Johnson’s professional record, however, has not yet provided strong evidence for that projection.

Crawford had already won his first world title at 26 and had taken belts in two divisions by Johnson’s current age. Johnson, who is ranked ninth by the WBO, has moved much more slowly despite entering the paid ranks with a substantial amateur background and representing the United States at the Tokyo Olympics. He lost there to two-time Olympic champion Roniel Iglesias.

The quality of Johnson’s opposition has also limited the value of his results. Ricardo Quiroz took him to a majority decision, while Jimerr Espinosa won rounds strongly enough to force a split decision. Tarik Zaina, Yomar Alamo and Janelson Figueroa Bocachica also made him work, although Bocachica was already declining when Johnson beat him on points.

Johnson’s fourth-round stoppage of Nicklaus Flaz stands out among his recent performances. Against Guerrero in July, he went the full 10 rounds and won every scorecard, extending a pattern in which his finishing ability has not matched the expectations created by the Crawford comparison. That record would carry more weight if the opponents had been durable fringe contenders rather than developmental or limited fighters.

After beating Guerrero, Johnson called out WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney. The challenge has added interest, but Johnson has yet to defeat an established top-ten welterweight. Rohan Polanco, whom Johnson had previously mentioned, represents the kind of test that could clarify his level. Until he passes that step, the Haney challenge and Crawford comparisons remain ahead of his accomplishments.