by Mike Indri/RBF
Leavander Johnson overcame tough childhood obstacles in his hometown of
Atlantic City (New Jersey) to endure the struggle as a professional boxer.
Following a victorious pro debut (TKO 1 vs. Jesus Rodriguez: 02/14/89) Johnson
established himself, over the next sixteen years, as a solid and steady
lightweight contender... While most would have
abandoned their dreams, Johnson persevered. Already a hero to all the up
and coming fighters at the Atlantic City PAL where he trained, Johnson
never lost his love for the sport or his desire to become a champion; his
dedication never wavered.
REMEMBERING LEAVANDER JOHNSON... by Jeff Mayweather
It’s odd because I remember Leavander’s older brother always saying
‘My brother’s going to be world champion.’ ... He had fulfilled his
dream but it seemed like the moment only lasted for a second.
"You certainly can't make predictions, but I wasn't certain he would even
survive [Saturday] night," said Dr. William Smith, who performed the surgery.
"My thoughts are that he's dramatically improved today, so he seems to be moving
in the right direction."
If only boxing could say the same. Nevada is looking to reduce the role of
Goodman because many promoters and casino operators consider her "too
overprotective" of the fighters.
BOXING HAS HEADACHE THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED...
Outside, HBO was hosting a
poolside party at the MGM Grand hotel-casino for those lucky enough to get an
invite... Spirits weren’t so high in a hospital not far from the glittering Las
Vegas Strip. There, Leavander Johnson lay in the intensive care unit, his doctor
unsure he would survive the night.
GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS REMEMBERS
LEAVANDER JOHNSON
“Leavander Johnson epitomized what all boxers
should want to be, a courageous and skilled boxer who always gave
his best every time he stepped through the ropes,” said Golden Boy
Promotions President Oscar de la Hoya.
BOXING MOURNS LEAVANDER JOHNSON...
It is with great sadness that we announce that Leavander Johnson
passed away at University Medical Center in Las Vegas at 4:23 PM/PT.
Leavander fought this injury with the same courage and grace that he
displayed in his sixteen years as a professional prize fighter.
A QUESTION OF COURAGE... by Jim Amato
If a fighter did not have heart and courage he would never step into
a ring. The boxer's mind is a fragile item.
WHY? ... by Eddie Goldman/BoxingRanks.com
Different traditions
require or advise different lengths of time for mourning. Yet boxing
is still staging its fights without any interruption. Indeed, in
Atlantic City this weekend – Leavander Johnson’s hometown of all
places – there is a major HBO show at Boardwalk Hall accompanied by
a crowded slate of press conferences for future shows elsewhere.
WE MUST LEARN FROM SENSELESS BOXING DEATH...
by Linda
Robertson/Herald Johnson was a father of four from
Atlantic City, N.J. After 16 years as a pro, he was to collect his
biggest purse -- $150,000.
Prior to the fight, he told a reporter: ``If this guy is going to
beat me, he is going to have to kill me.''
9-22-2005
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