Find a 1v1 server with the 1.9+ mechanics, where every player has the same items.
Timolia
You can just create a server yourself lol
Can also be Aternos, but for a 1 vs. 1 it is enough.
Otherwise I can recommend McJavaPlay. I can show you everything there. Do you have discord
Oof 1.9
1.8 is simply great 👀
No, the 1.8 is boring, because you just click around on your opponent forever.
But for that I would need friends.
The problem with Timolia, Gomme and Hipixel is that shields do not block all the damage there and are completely useless. Shields should normally block all damage, so the server will drop out.
Then you can come to McJavaPlay. Do you have discord