LEAVANDER JOHNSON

Johnson made his debut as a professional boxer in 1989 following a successful amateur career, during which he fought in over 130 contests.

Johnson defended his title for the first time on September 17, 2005, against Mexican fighter Jesús Chávez. The fight was stopped early in the 11th round after Johnson received a barrage of punches from his opponent. Despite being able to leave the ring under his own momentum, he collapsed in his dressing room shortly afterwards. He was rushed to the hospital and had emergency surgery to correct a subdural hematoma (swelling and bleeding on the brain).

Following the surgery, Johnson was placed in a drug-induced coma. Despite initial fears that he would not survive the night even after the surgery, he survived into the next week and was showing some early signs of improvement, but still remained in critical condition. However, his condition stopped improving and on September 22, 2005, it was decided to discontinue efforts to artificially prolong his life. He was pronounced dead at 4:23 p.m. PDT surrounded by his family.