Professional Boxer. He was the World Heavyweight Champion from 1959 to 1960. On June 26, 1959, Johansson shocked the boxing world when he knocked out Floyd Patterson in the third round of their championship bout. However, Patterson recaptured the title when he knocked out Johansson in the fifth round during their rematch in June 1960. Born in Gothenburg, Sweden, he won a silver medal during the 1952 Summer Olympic Games in Helsinki. In addition, he held the European Heavyweight Title. In 1959, he was named the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year. He retired from boxing in 1963 after compiling a record of 26 wins (17 knockouts) and 2 losses in 28 fights. His only two defeats were against Floyd Patterson. He later worked as a television boxing analyst. Johansson was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1988 and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2002.
Professional Boxer. He was the World Heavyweight Champion from 1959 to 1960. On June 26, 1959, Johansson shocked the boxing world when he knocked out Floyd Patterson in the third round of their championship bout. However, Patterson recaptured the title when he knocked out Johansson in the fifth round during their rematch in June 1960. Born in Gothenburg, Sweden, he won a silver medal during the 1952 Summer Olympic Games in Helsinki. In addition, he held the European Heavyweight Title. In 1959, he was named the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year. He retired from boxing in 1963 after compiling a record of 26 wins (17 knockouts) and 2 losses in 28 fights. His only two defeats were against Floyd Patterson. He later worked as a television boxing analyst. Johansson was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1988 and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2002.
Bio by: C.S.
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