George Johnson (boxer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids George Johnson |
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|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Nickname(s) | Scrap Iron |
| Rated at | 235 (1972) |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in |
| Nationality | American |
| Born | December 15, 1938 Oklahoma City |
| Died | April 9, 2016 (aged 77) |
George "Scrap Iron" Johnson (born 1938, died 2016) was an American heavyweight boxer. He fought from the 1950s to the 1970s.
He faced many famous boxers of his time. These included George Foreman, Joe Frazier, and Sonny Liston. Even though he wasn't always the winner, he was known for being incredibly tough. He could take many punches! George Foreman, a famous boxer, said Johnson had the best "chin" (meaning he was hard to knock out) of anyone he ever fought.
He stopped boxing in 1975. His final record was 22 wins, 27 losses, and 5 draws. In 2005, he was honored in the California Boxing Hall of Fame.
The Story Behind His Nickname
When George was about seven, girls in his Oklahoma City neighborhood called him "Scrap." This was because he used a wheelbarrow to collect old machine parts to sell. He did this to earn money.
Later, in high school, his American football teammates added "Iron" to his nickname. This made him "Scrap Iron." The name stuck with him throughout his boxing career.
Memorable Fights and Moments
In 1969, George Johnson had a series of wins. He then faced Sonny Liston in Las Vegas. Liston won the fight after seven rounds.
Johnson was planning to get married right after the fight. But he moved the wedding to the next day. This gave him time to recover from the tough match.
George Johnson's Boxing Career Highlights
George Johnson had a long career in boxing. He fought many of the best heavyweights. His record shows he had 22 wins, 27 losses, and 5 draws.
He was known for his amazing ability to keep fighting. Even when hit hard, he rarely gave up. This made him a respected opponent.
