Tom Johnson

Biography

Tom Johnson, affectionately known as "Boom Boom," is a name that resonates with boxing enthusiasts, particularly those familiar with the featherweight division during the 1990s. Born on July 15, 1964, Johnson's journey into professional boxing began in 1986, marking the start of a career that would see him rise to the pinnacle of his weight class. While details about his amateur career are scarce, it is clear that Johnson's professional debut set the stage for a storied career.

Johnson's professional career was highlighted by his reign as the IBF Featherweight Champion. His path to the title was not straightforward; he first challenged Manuel Medina for the IBF Featherweight Title in 1991 but lost via a technical decision. Undeterred, Johnson rematched Medina in 1993 and secured a narrow split decision victory to claim the title. This marked a significant turning point in his career, as he successfully defended the title eleven times. His defences included victories over notable opponents like Jose Badillo in Germany and Ever Beleno in the UK. Johnson's reign as champion was eventually ended by the formidable Naseem Hamed, who defeated him via an eighth-round TKO in 1997.

Throughout his career, Johnson faced a variety of world-class fighters, showcasing his resilience and skill in the ring. His bouts against Medina and Hamed are particularly notable, as they represent the peak of his success and the challenges he faced against top-tier opponents. Johnson's final professional outing took place on February 22, 2002, when he was defeated by Jorge Páez via a second-round TKO at the Palace Indian Gaming Center in Lemoore, California. This marked the end of a career that spanned sixteen years and included 63 professional bouts, with a final record of 51 wins, 10 losses, and 2 draws. Johnson's legacy in the featherweight division is cemented by his title reign and ability to compete at the highest level against some of the era's best fighters.

Johnson's career statistics are a testament to his prowess as a boxer. With 28 of his 51 wins coming by knockout, he demonstrated a formidable punching power that allowed him to dominate many of his opponents. His ability to secure victories via decision also highlighted his technical skill and endurance. Despite facing setbacks, including the loss of his title to Hamed, Johnson remained a respected figure in the boxing world, known for his tenacity and dedication to the sport.