The call has gone out to help the former middleweight and light heavyweight titleholder Reggie Johnson.
Johnson’s daughter, Kisha, said Johnson is “facing some personal challenges,” and a GoFundMe account has been set up to help.
“Our family is working together to make sure he has the support and care he needs,” Kisha Johnson said. “We are raising funds to help cover pressing personal and medical expenses, and to ensure he can focus on his health and well-being.”
The brilliant Johnson last fought in 2008, when he was well beyond his best. But he still managed to take the late Julio Cesar Gonzalez to a split decision.
That was only his second fight in six years. There had also been a comeback in 2005 against Fred Moore, and before that a split-decision defeat by Antonio Tarver in 2002.
Johnson also took losses against James Toney, John David Jackson and Roy Jones Jnr. Much of his best work came at middleweight, where he defeated Irish star Steve Collins for the vacant WBO title at 160lbs and Lamar Parks, losing the belt to Jorge Castro following two disputed decisions in bouts in Argentina.
Johnson, however, won his IBF title at light heavyweight against William Guthrie in February 1998.
The southpaw Johnson landed a devastating counter right hook that badly knocked out Guthrie, who had to be taken from the ring on a stretcher.
Johnson turned pro back in 1984, and the Houston warrior retired with 44 wins against seven losses and a draw. Twenty-five of those victories were by stoppage.
“Reggie has given so much of himself to others – now we are asking for a little help in return,” wrote Kisha. “Any contribution, large or small, will go directly to helping him through this period of transition and support. Thank you for your kindness and compassion, and continued support for a true champion – in and out of the ring.”