Marvin Johnson (boxer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Marvin Johnson
Statistics
Real name	Marvin Johnson
Nickname(s)	Pops
Rated at	Light heavyweight
Height	5 ft 10+1/2 in
Reach	72+1/2 in
Nationality	American
Born	(1954-04-12) April 12, 1954 (age 71) Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Stance	Southpaw
Boxing record
Total fights	49
Wins	43
Wins by KO	35
Losses	6
Medal record Representing  United States Olympic Games Bronze 1972 Munich Middleweight

Marvin Johnson (born April 12, 1954) is a famous American former boxer. He was a world champion three times in the light-heavyweight division. Before becoming a professional, Marvin competed in the 1972 Olympics in Munich. There, he won a bronze medal for his country.

Marvin Johnson became a professional boxer soon after the Olympics. In 2008, he was honored by being added to the World Boxing Hall of Fame. Other great boxers like Lennox Lewis and Pernell Whitaker were also inducted that year. Marvin's nickname is "Pops."

Marvin Johnson's Amateur Boxing Career

Marvin Johnson had a very successful amateur career. He won several important championships before turning professional. These wins showed he was a talented boxer from a young age.

• In 1971, he won the National Golden Gloves Light Heavyweight Championship. This event took place in Fort Worth, Texas.
• He also won the 1971 National AAU Light Heavyweight Championship. This was held in New Orleans, Louisiana. In the finals, he knocked out Hernando Molyneaux in the first round.
• Later in 1971, he won the North American Championship. He defeated William Titley from Canada.
• In 1972, he won the National Golden Gloves Middleweight Championship. This competition was in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He won his semifinal match against Joey Hadley. In the finals, he knocked out Don Rucker.

Marvin Johnson at the 1972 Olympics

Marvin Johnson proudly represented the United States at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. He earned a bronze medal in the 165-pound (middleweight) class.

Here are his results from the 1972 Munich Olympics:

• Round of 16: He beat Ewald Jarmer from West Germany. All five judges agreed he won.
• Quarterfinal: He defeated Alejandro Montoya from Cuba. Again, all five judges voted for him.
• Semifinal: He lost to Vyacheslav Lemeshev from the Soviet Union. Lemeshev later won the gold medal. Marvin was awarded the bronze medal.

Marvin Johnson's Professional Boxing Journey

As a professional boxer, Marvin Johnson started strong. He won his first 15 fights in a row! One of these wins was a knockout against Tom "The Bomb" Bethea. This fight was even shown on TV.

His first loss came against Matthew Franklin (who later became Matthew Saad Muhammad). They fought for the NABF light heavyweight title. It was a tough battle, and Johnson lost in the 12th round.

After this setback, Marvin showed how strong he was. He won several more fights. Then, he lost a decision to Lottie Mwale. But he didn't give up!

Winning His First World Title

A win against Jerry Celestine led Marvin to his first world title fight. In December 1978, he fought Mate Parlov from Yugoslavia in Italy. Marvin won the WBC light heavyweight title by knockout in the 10th round.

For his first title defense, Marvin chose to fight Matthew Franklin again. This was the same boxer who had beaten him two years earlier. The fight happened in Marvin's hometown of Indianapolis in April 1979. It was an incredibly intense and dramatic rematch. Many boxing experts still call it one of the greatest title fights ever.

Marvin started strong, but Franklin fought hard. In the 6th and 7th rounds, Marvin began to get tired. Franklin won in the 8th round, even though he was bleeding badly.

Becoming a Two-Time World Champion

Marvin Johnson showed his amazing comeback spirit again. Later that same year, he won another world title! This time, it was the WBA light heavyweight belt. He fought Victor Galindez from Argentina in New Orleans.

It was a close fight for ten rounds. Then, Marvin landed a powerful left hand that knocked Galindez down. Galindez's team stopped the fight, and Marvin became a two-time world champion.

For his next title defense, Marvin chose another strong boxer, Eddie Gregory (later known as Eddie Mustafa Muhammad). In March 1980, Marvin fought bravely. However, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad used strong body punches to win in the 11th round. Marvin lost his WBA title.

Facing Michael Spinks and a Big Comeback

Things looked tough for Marvin when he fought Michael Spinks in early 1981. Spinks was a rising star. Marvin started well, but Spinks landed a powerful punch in the fourth round that ended the fight.

But Marvin didn't quit! He went on to win 16 fights in a row. He beat good boxers like Charles Williams during this time.

Making History: A Three-Time Champion

In February 1986, Marvin Johnson fought Leslie Stewart for the vacant WBA light heavyweight title. The fight was in Indianapolis, in front of his home fans. Stewart gave Marvin a tough fight. However, Stewart suffered cuts, and the fight was stopped in the seventh round.

This win made Marvin Johnson the first boxer ever to become a three-time champion in the light heavyweight division!

He successfully defended this title against Jean-Marie Emebe of Cameroon. The fight was in Indianapolis in September 1986. Marvin won by TKO in the 13th round. This was the first time he entered and left the ring as a champion.

His next fight was a rematch with Leslie Stewart in Trinidad and Tobago in May 1987. This time, Stewart was dominant. He knocked Marvin down several times in the early rounds. Marvin always got back up, but after eight rounds, he told his corner he had had enough. He lost the title for the third time.

Marvin Johnson retired from boxing after that fight.

Achievements and Recognition

Marvin Johnson was named The Ring magazine Comeback of the Year fighter for 1984. This award recognized his incredible return to top form after facing tough losses.

Professional Boxing Record Summary

Marvin Johnson had a long and exciting professional boxing career.

Life After Boxing

After his boxing career, Marvin Johnson worked for the Marion County Sheriff's Office in Indianapolis, Indiana. He served for over 30 years in different roles, including correctional officer and deputy sheriff.

See also

• List of world light-heavyweight boxing champions