Kirk Johnson
(born June 29, 1972) is a professional heavyweight boxer from North Preston, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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KIRK JOHNSON TICKETS
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Amateur career
Johnson represented Canada at the
1992 Olympics in
Barcelona, where he lost in the quarter-finals against eventual silver medallist
David Izon (Nigeria). His record was 76 wins and 7 losses.
Pro career
He had his first professional bout on
April 24,
1993 against
Andre Smiley.
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 losing on all of the judges' scorecards. Johnson 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). Though many boxing commentators agreed that the disqualification was unwarranted, the appeal was ultimately denied by the WBA.
On
December 6,
2003 Johnson faced the
Ukrainian contender and future champion
Vitali Klitschko in
New York's Madison Square Garden. He showed up out of shape and was schooled by Klitschko, losing by a second round knockout.
Johnson compounded the Ruiz embarrassment by coming into this fight at 260 pounds - an all time high for him. Johnson weighed 232 pounds in his biggest win, over future WBC Heavyweight Champion
Oleg Maskaev, in 2000.
Comeback
After the Klitschko fight, Johnson staged a comeback. He knocked out Mexican heavyweight Gilbert Martinez in July 2004 and won a technical decision over Cuban
Yanqui Diaz in June 2005, although he lost his next bout (later changed to a technical decision) against Californian
Javier Mora in March 2006. Mora appeared to have accidentally stepped on Johnson's foot, causing Johnson to dislocate his knee. This decision was subsequently appealed and the result changed to a No Decision. Johnson has since recovered from his knee injury.
Johnson's record is now at 36 - 2 - 1 (26 KO's), with one No Decision.
Johnson hasn't fought in three years and five months since his fight with Mora.
Behind the ring
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 enquiry Johnson claimed that 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.
[1] It will be awarded annually to a student from North Preston.