Boxing World Lightweight Champion. Leavander Johnson was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey and had a successful amateur career before turning pro in 1989. He was undefeated in his first 22 bouts, beating such top pros as Wilfredo Rivera and Sharmba Mitchell. Johnson got his first shot at the lightweight championship in 1994 against Miguel Angel Gonzalez but was knocked out in the 8th round. His second shot at the championship came in 1997 against Orzubek Nazarov, but he was stopped again in the 7th round. His third shot came in 2003 against Javier Jauregui, but he was stopped once again in the 11th round. The fourth shot at the title turned out to be the charm for Johnson in 2005 when he stopped Stefano Zoff in the 7th round to win the championship. On September 17, 2005, he took on highly-rated Jesus Chavez in the first defense of his title. Both fighters went toe to toe for the entire fight until Chavez finally knocked out Johnson in round 11. Johnson walked from the ring, but later collapsed in his dressing room. He was rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery for bleeding on the brain. Although he showed some improvement after surgery, he suddenly developed organ failure and passed away on September 22, 2005. Johnson's career record was 34-5-2 with 26 knockouts.
Boxing World Lightweight Champion. Leavander Johnson was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey and had a successful amateur career before turning pro in 1989. He was undefeated in his first 22 bouts, beating such top pros as Wilfredo Rivera and Sharmba Mitchell. Johnson got his first shot at the lightweight championship in 1994 against Miguel Angel Gonzalez but was knocked out in the 8th round. His second shot at the championship came in 1997 against Orzubek Nazarov, but he was stopped again in the 7th round. His third shot came in 2003 against Javier Jauregui, but he was stopped once again in the 11th round. The fourth shot at the title turned out to be the charm for Johnson in 2005 when he stopped Stefano Zoff in the 7th round to win the championship. On September 17, 2005, he took on highly-rated Jesus Chavez in the first defense of his title. Both fighters went toe to toe for the entire fight until Chavez finally knocked out Johnson in round 11. Johnson walked from the ring, but later collapsed in his dressing room. He was rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery for bleeding on the brain. Although he showed some improvement after surgery, he suddenly developed organ failure and passed away on September 22, 2005. Johnson's career record was 34-5-2 with 26 knockouts.
Bio by: Soorus
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