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In June, sixteen years after turning professional, Leavander Johnson entered a ring in Italy to face Stefano Zoff for the vacant IBF lightweight title. This was not a unique occurrence for the longtime pro. Having contended at the 135-lb. weight class for virtually his whole career, Johnson had thrice challenged for a lightweight belt, falling short each time, stoppage losses to Miguel Angel Gonzalez in 1994, to Orzubek Nazarov in 1997, and to Javier Jauregui in 2003.
Johnson may have been years removed from his prime, but the experience and grit picked up from years in the sweet science contributed to counteract the wear and tear. In Zoff’s backyard, in his fourth attempt at glory, Johnson knocked out his opponent and became a champion. [details]
Johnson may have been years removed from his prime, but the experience and grit picked up from years in the sweet science contributed to counteract the wear and tear. In Zoff’s backyard, in his fourth attempt at glory, Johnson knocked out his opponent and became a champion. [details]