Kirk Johnson

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Kirk Cyron Johnson (born June 29, 1972) is a Canadian former professional boxer who competed from 1993 to 2010, and challenged once for the WBA heavyweight title in 2002.

Early life

Kirk Cyron Johnson was born in North Preston, Nova Scotia, Canada, on June 29, 1972.

Amateur career

Kirk Johnson started boxing at eleven years old. Throughout his early amateur bouts, his trainer was his father, Gary Johnson Sr.[1]

He became the world's best junior heavyweight in August 1989 at just 17 years old.[2] He made history as the first Nova Scotian and second Canadian to claim gold at the Junior World Championships.[3]

At the Canadian intermediate amateur boxing championships in December 1989, Johnson captured the title in the heavyweight (91-kilogram) division.[4]

At 18, Johnson defended his junior world title at the October 1990 Junior World Championships in Lima, Peru,[5] where he lost in the final to a Soviet opponent. Moving into the senior ranks that year, he secured the Canadian senior national title. In September 1991, he won another title at the Canadian senior national boxing championships in Saskatoon.[6] As part of Canada's national boxing team, he competed in the 1991 World Amateur Boxing Championships held in Sydney, Australia.

Johnson, while still a young prospect and Olympic team member, spent time at a camp of legendary trainer and manager Lou Duva, and worked with him on and off.[7]

He represented Canada at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona,[8] where he lost in the quarter-finals against eventual silver medallist David Izon of Nigeria.[9]

Highlights

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His amateur record was 76 wins and 7 losses.

Professional career

The Olympic quarterfinalist had his first professional bout on April 24, 1993, against Andre Smiley in Las Vegas. He won by TKO in the third round.[10] Early in his professional development, Johnson trained in Fort Worth, Texas, with ex-world champions Curtis Cokes and Donald Curry, while being co-managed by Ken Lilien and Chris Seeger.[1]

He fought Tyrone Evans on the Michael Moorer vs. George Foreman card on November 5, 1994, in Las Vegas.[7]

By the late 1990s, he was managed by boxing promoter and manager Cedric Kushner.[7] He began training under George Benton around 1997.[11] Johnson, then an undefeated prospect, fought Al Cole to a ten-round draw in December 1998.[12] Three months after their first meeting, Kirk Johnson, with Teddy Atlas in his corner, outpointed Al Cole by unanimous decision in March 1999. When Johnson and Atlas parted ways, he reconnected with Curtis Cokes, a Hall of Famer and former welterweight champion who had guided him early on.[11]

On October 7, 2000, Kirk Johnson stopped Oleg Maskaev, who later became WBC heavyweight champion, with a fourth-round knockout. He captured the PABA Heavyweight Title.[13]

After defeating Larry Donald on July 7, 2001, Kirk Johnson rose to 32-0-1 and became the WBA's no. 1 contender and the mandatory title challenger.[14]

His contract with Kushner had expired. He joined Dino Duva's promotion, Duva Boxing, in April 2002, signing a $1.1 million deal after Duva outbid numerous promoters.[15]

In his first title fight in 2002, Johnson faced John Ruiz for the WBA Heavyweight Title. In the tenth round, Johnson was disqualified for low blows while trailing on all of the judges' scorecards. It marked his first defeat in his professional career.[16] He appealed the disqualification to the WBA, on the grounds that referee Joe Cortez had erred in calling some of the low blows and did not act impartially (both Ruiz and Cortez are of Puerto Rican descent).[17] Though many boxing commentators agreed that the disqualification was unwarranted, the appeal was ultimately denied by the WBA.

He resurrected his career on March 15, 2003, scoring a fourth-round knockout over Lou Savarese in Dallas, Texas.[18] The win secured him the WBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight Title.[19] Johnson, then ranked eighth in the world, was set to meet champion Lennox Lewis on June 21, 2003, at the Staples Centre, but the fight between the Canadian Olympians never happened.[18] Johnson withdrew from the fight on June 6, 2003, after tearing a chest muscle while sparring in his Fort Worth training camp.[20]

On December 6, 2003, Johnson faced the Ukrainian contender and future champion Vitali Klitschko in New York's Madison Square Garden. He was easily defeated by Klitschko, losing by a second-round knockout.[21] He stepped into the ring at a career-high 260 pounds.[22]

Comeback

After the Klitschko fight, he staged a comeback. He knocked out Mexican heavyweight Gilbert Martinez in July 2004 and won a technical decision over Cuban Yanqui Díaz in June 2005.[23] He lost his next bout (later changed to a technical decision) against Californian Javier Mora on March 3, 2006. During the seventh round, Mora appeared to have accidentally stepped on Johnson's foot, causing Johnson to dislocate his right knee.[24] This decision was subsequently appealed, and the result changed to a no decision.

On April 29, 2010, Johnson returned to the ring after a four-year absence and fought journeyman Douglas Robertson, defeating him via first-round TKO.[25]

Johnson finished his career with a record of 37–2–1 (27 KOs), with one no contest.[23]

Halifax Regional Police lawsuit

In 2003, after dropping out of a planned fight against then-heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis because of an injury, Johnson launched a protracted legal battle against the Halifax Regional Police. During the inquiry, Johnson claimed that because of racism and racial profiling by the Halifax Regional Police,[26] he had his car stopped 28 times over five years while in Halifax. Johnson was awarded $10,000 in damages, in addition to $4,790 to cover his travel expenses. The police service was also ordered to create a scholarship in Johnson's name.[27] It is awarded annually to a student from North Preston. Since 2003, 16 students have received awards.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Professional boxing record

Template:BoxingRecordSummary

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
41 Win 37–2–1 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Douglas Robertson TKO 1 (4), 1:45Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Apr 29, 2010 Template:Flagicon Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
40 NC 36–2–1 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Template:Flagicon Javier Mora TKO 7 (10), 1:53Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Mar 3, 2006 Template:Flagicon Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Originally a TKO win for Mora, later ruled an NC after an incorrect referee callScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
39 Win 36–2–1 Template:Flagicon Yanqui Díaz TD 5 (10), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jun 9, 2005 Template:Flagicon Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Unanimous TD after Díaz was cut from an accidental head clashScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
38 Win 35–2–1 Template:Flagicon Gilbert Martinez RTD 8 (10), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jul 8, 2004 Template:Flagicon Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
37 Loss 34–2–1 Template:Flagicon Vitali Klitschko TKO 2 (12), 2:54Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Dec 6, 2003 Template:Flagicon Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
36 Win 34–1–1 Template:Flagicon Lou Savarese TKO 4 (12), 1:52Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Mar 15, 2003 Template:Flagicon Club Life, Dallas, Texas, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
35 Win 33–1–1 Template:Flagicon Jeremy Bates KO 2 (8), 2:59Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Dec 7, 2002 Template:Flagicon Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
34 Loss 32–1–1 Template:Flagicon John Ruiz DQ 10 (12), 2:17Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jul 27, 2002 Template:Flagicon Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For WBA heavyweight title;
Johnson disqualified for repeated low blowsScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
33 Win 32–0–1 Template:Flagicon Larry Donald UD 12 Jul 7, 2001 Template:Flagicon KeySpan Park, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
32 Win 31–0–1 Template:Flagicon Derrick Banks KO 1 (10), 1:32Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Apr 28, 2001 Template:Flagicon Civic Auditorium, LaPorte, Indiana, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
31 Win 30–0–1 Template:Flagicon Oleg Maskaev KO 4 (12), 0:51Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Oct 7, 2000 Template:Flagicon Mohegan Sun Arena, Montville, Connecticut, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won PABA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
30 Win 29–0–1 Template:Flagicon Marcus Johnson TKO 2 (10), 2:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jan 27, 2000 Template:Flagicon Hammerstein Ballroom, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
29 Win 28–0–1 Template:Flagicon Rodolfo Marin KO 1 (10), 2:05Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Oct 7, 1999 Template:Flagicon Soaring Eagle Casino, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
28 Win 27–0–1 Template:Flagicon Al Cole UD 10 Mar 20, 1999 Template:Flagicon Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma, Washington, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
27 Template:DrawDraw 26–0–1 Template:Flagicon Al Cole MD 10 Dec 8, 1998 Template:Flagicon Roseland Ballroom, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
26 Win 26–0 Template:Flagicon Levi Billups UD 10 Aug 6, 1998 Template:Flagicon Coeur d'Alene Casino, Worley, Idaho, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
25 Win 25–0 Template:Flagicon Eric Curry TKO 1 (10), 1:37Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". May 9, 1998 Template:Flagicon Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
24 Win 24–0 Template:Flagicon Rocky Pepeli TKO 1 (10) Apr 2, 1998 Template:Flagicon Erie Community College, Williamsville, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
23 Win 23–0 Template:Flagicon Louis Monaco TKO 7 (10), 2:58Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jul 12, 1997 Template:Flagicon Grand Casino, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
22 Win 22–0 Template:Flagicon Everton Davis KO 8 (10), 2:16Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Mar 11, 1997 Template:Flagicon Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
21 Win 21–0 Template:Flagicon Terry McGroom TKO 8 (10), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Nov 16, 1996 Template:Flagicon Bally's Park Place, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
20 Win 20–0 Template:Flagicon Danell Nicholson UD 10 Aug 23, 1996 Template:Flagicon Bally's Park Place, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
19 Win 19–0 Template:Flagicon Darren Hayden TKO 1 (10), 1:44Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jun 12, 1996 Template:Flagicon Trump World's Fair, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
18 Win 18–0 Template:Flagicon Mike Dixon TKO 1 (8) Mar 7, 1996 Template:Flagicon Edmonton Convention Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
17 Win 17–0 Template:Flagicon Art Bayliss TKO 1 (8), 1:39Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jan 25, 1996 Template:Flagicon International Plaza Hotel, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
16 Win 16–0 Template:Flagicon Bradley Rone PTS 8 Dec 21, 1995 Template:Flagicon Isle of Capri Casino, Bossier City, Louisiana, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
15 Win 15–0 Template:Flagicon Nathaniel Fitch UD 8 Jul 7, 1995 Template:Flagicon Civic Center, Bossier City, Louisiana, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
14 Win 14–0 Template:Flagicon Matt Green KO 1 (8), 1:18Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". May 3, 1995 Template:Flagicon 69th Regiment Armory, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
13 Win 13–0 Template:Flagicon Ron Gullette KO 1 (8) Mar 29, 1995 Template:Flagicon 69th Regiment Armory, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
12 Win 12–0 Template:Flagicon Marion Wilson UD 8 Feb 3, 1995 Template:Flagicon Fernwood Resort, Bushkill, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
11 Win 11–0 Template:Flagicon Tyrone Evans KO 8 (8), 1:43Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Nov 5, 1994 Template:Flagicon MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
10 Win 10–0 Template:Flagicon Keith McMurray KO 3 (10) Oct 12, 1994 Template:Flagicon The Pit, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
9 Win 9–0 Template:Flagicon George O'Mara KO 1 (8) Sep 9, 1994 Template:Flagicon Grand Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
8 Win 8–0 Template:Flagicon Ross Puritty UD 6 May 5, 1994 Template:Flagicon Grand Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
7 Win 7–0 Template:Flagicon Dave Fiddler TKO 2 (6) Feb 17, 1994 Template:Flagicon Edmonton Convention Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, CanadaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
6 Win 6–0 Template:Flagicon Kelvin Hayden KO 1 (6), 2:07Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Dec 16, 1993 Template:Flagicon Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
5 Win 5–0 Template:Flagicon Willie Johnson KO 3 (6) Oct 27, 1993 Template:Flagicon Bally's Park Place, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
4 Win 4–0 Template:Flagicon Bryant Smith UD 6 Oct 6, 1993 Template:Flagicon Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
3 Win 3–0 Template:Flagicon Ed Donaldson KO 5 (6) Aug 30, 1993 Template:Flagicon Kemper Arena, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
2 Win 2–0 Template:Flagicon Earl Talley KO 1 (4), 2:05Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jun 7, 1993 Template:Flagicon Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
1 Win 1–0 Template:Flagicon Andre Smiley TKO 3 (4), 2:47Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Apr 4, 1993 Template:Flagicon The Aladdin, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Awards and recognitions

References

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  1. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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  7. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  20. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  21. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  22. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  23. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  24. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  25. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  26. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  27. ↑ CBC News: Boxer Johnson wins Racism Complaint. December 23, 2003 Retrieved 29 December 2008
  28. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  29. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  30. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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External links

Sporting positions

Template:S-text

Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check PABA heavyweight champion
October 7, 2000 – June 2001
Vacated Template:S-ttl/check 		Vacant
Title next held by
Nikolai Valuev
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check WBO Inter-Continental
heavyweight champion
March 15, 2003 – November 2003
Vacated Template:S-ttl/check 		Vacant
Title next held by
Timo Hoffmann
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