Leavander Johnson, Born 12-24-69, Died 9-22-05
This Atlantic City based fighter, Leavander Johnson, a family man with four children, he was at one point thought to be “lead pipe” cinch to win a world title. Even when he ventured to Mexico in 1994, most at the time, including Don King, thought he would best Miguel Angel Gonzalez.
FIGHTING PEAK MAY HAVE BEEN IN ’94!
Prior to facing Gonzalez, Leavander KO’d the 31-0 Sharmba Mitchell. Eight heats into the WBC 135 lb. title fight with Miguel Angel, and Johnson, he had lost his first fight and was now 22-1-1.
SORT OF “TREADED” WATER FOR A WHILE!
Five fights later, Leavander was certainly removed from the “cinch” list, as he failed against then recognized lightweight World champ Orzubek Nazarov, this in 1997. One “no contest,” was followed by four wins, then a points loss to Michael Clark.
EASY ROAD TO TITLE SHOT
A win, a draw, and another points victory, and Leavander was paired with Javier Jauregui, this for the vacant IBF title. Inside of 11 rounds, Leavander had lost for the fourth time, the third by KO. His next fight, a decision over Rogue Cassiani, this preceded yet another IBF title opportunity.
JOHNSON MAKES GOOD ON THIRD ATTEMPT!
Matched earlier this year with Stefan Zoff, these two top rated and available lightweight contenders in the world, this pair went seven before Leavander Johnson had the IBF 135 lb. belt in hand.
WELL RESPECTED, REGARDED OUTSIDE OF RING!
A decided underdog this past Saturday night, Jesus Chavez would be the first challenger for the new IBF champion. Things got ugly in a manner that can be best described as rapid, this as Chavez took it to Johnson.
GAME, NO GAMER THAN “GAME” JOHNSON!
After 11 one-sided/brutal rounds, of which Chavez was in total control, the match was stopped at the :38 mark of round 11. Feeling sick in the dressing room, Johnson was rushed to a Las Vegas “trauma center,” where he was operated on. On Thursday afternoon, the 35-year old was pronounced dead.
SERVICES NOT YET ANNOUNCED
When funeral arangements are complete, we will try and get that information to you. The entire “Ring Talk” crew, we all offer our condolences to the family of Leavander Johnson.
