Johnny Saxton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Johnny Saxton |
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Saxton in 1956
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| Statistics | |
| Rated at | Welterweight |
| Nationality | American |
| Born | July 4, 1930 Newark, New Jersey |
| Died | October 4, 2008 (aged 78) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 66 |
| Wins | 55 |
| Wins by KO | 21 |
| Losses | 9 |
| Draws | 2 |
Johnny Saxton (born July 4, 1930 – died October 4, 2008) was an American professional boxer. He competed in the welterweight division, which is for boxers weighing up to 147 pounds. Johnny was born in Newark, New Jersey. He learned how to box while living in a Brooklyn orphanage. As an amateur, he was very successful, winning 31 out of 33 fights. He even became the World Welterweight Champion twice during his career.
Becoming a Boxing Champion
Johnny Saxton started his professional boxing career in 1949. He had an amazing start, winning forty fights in a row without any losses. His first defeat came in 1953 against another boxer named Gil Turner.
Saxton continued to fight strong opponents. His victories over Joey Giardello and Johnny Bratton helped him get a chance to fight for the world welterweight championship. In 1954, he faced Kid Gavilán for the title. Johnny Saxton won the fight after fifteen rounds, becoming the new champion.
However, he lost his title the next year to Tony DeMarco. In 1956, Johnny Saxton made a big comeback. He surprised many by winning the welterweight title again, this time against Carmen Basilio. But he lost the title in a rematch with Basilio later that same year. Johnny Saxton officially retired from boxing in 1958.
Life After the Ring
After he stopped boxing, Johnny Saxton worked as a security guard. He also spent some time as a boxing coach, sharing his skills with others.
Later in his life, Johnny was involved in a hit-and-run accident. This accident caused damage to one of his legs. By the early 1990s, he was living in a New York City apartment that did not have electricity. A kind friend helped him move to a retirement home in Florida. Sadly, he was diagnosed with pugilistic dementia. This is a brain condition that can affect boxers due to repeated head injuries.
See also
- List of welterweight boxing champions
