John Michael Johnson (born June 23, 1968, in

San Antonio, Texas ("Cradle of Freedom") , image_map = , mapsize = 220px , map_caption = Interactive map of San Antonio , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name = United States , subdivision_type1= State , subdivision_name1 = Texas , subdivision_t ...

USA The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territori ...

) is a retired American

bantamweight Bantamweight is a weight class in combat sports. For boxing, the range is above and up to . In kickboxing, a bantamweight fighter generally weighs between . In MMA, bantamweight is . The name for the class is derived from bantam chickens. B ...

boxer He made his professional debut in 1986 and was a WBA bantamweight world champion

Professional career

Known as "Bam Bam," Johnson turned professional in 1986. In 1994 he won the WBA bantamweight title by knocking out Junior Jones in the 11th round. Later that year, Johnson controversially lost the

belt Belt may refer to: Apparel * Belt (clothing), a leather or fabric band worn around the waist * Championship belt, a type of trophy used primarily in combat sports * Colored belts, such as a black belt or red belt, worn by martial arts practit ...

in his first defense to

Daorung Chuvatana Daorung Chuvatana ( th, ดาวรุ่ง ชูวัฒนะ) also known as Surapol Sidangnoi (สุรพล สีแดงน้อย) (born 1969-04-01 in Nam Pat District, Uttaradit Province, Thailand) is a retired boxer who won W ...

in Thailand. Near the end of the first round, Johnson sustained a cut above his right eye from a headbutt, however, the referee ruled that it was caused by a punch and the fight was called off upon the recommendation of the ringside doctor, resulting in a first round technical knockout victory for Chuwatana. Johnson immediately filed a protest on the grounds that the injury had been caused by a headbutt and that a technical draw should have been declared. In 1999 he challenged Lehlohonolo Ledwaba for the vacant IBF super bantamweight title but lost by decision. Johnson was married to Sandra Johnson. They have three children, John Michael Johnson Jr., Alexandra Marie Johnson, and Jessica Michelle Johnson. In 2001 Johnson made a comeback and scored four victories, including a technical knockout over Antonio Diaz and a knockout in the first round over Augie Sanchez. Due to his success, he was named ''Ring Magazine'' comeback of the year. Johnson lost both of his bouts in 2002 and retired later in the year. On September 29, 2014, Johnson lost an eight-round fight to Ricardo Alvarez by unanimous decision. , -

References

External links

* 1968 births Living people World boxing champions American male boxers Bantamweight boxers {{US-boxing-bio-stub