Jesus killed somebody

[Blackout]

Johnson dies from brain injury sustained in title fightBy Dan Rafael

ESPN.com

Leavander Johnson, who suffered a serious brain injury defending his lightweight world title last Saturday night, died on Thursday. He was 35.

AP/Isaac Brekken

Johnson was in a coma less than an hour after his bout with Chavez.

Johnson died at University Medical Center in Las Vegas at 4:23 p.m. PT, five days after losing to Jesus Chavez, who scored an 11th-round TKO on an HBO PPV card at the MGM Grand.

Johnson, a 16-year pro, collapsed minutes after taking a one-sided beating from Chavez. Johnson was rushed to the hospital, and within 40 minutes was undergoing emergency surgery to relieve pressure from a subdural hematoma, or bleeding on the brain. He was placed in a medically induced coma, from which he never awoke.

"All of my prayers are with Leavander Johnson and his family in this difficult time," Chavez said in a statement. "He was a true warrior with a tremendous heart, and every day I will think of him and say a prayer for him. He will never be forgotten."

Although Johnson showed dramatic improvement a day after the surgery, he suffered a setback. Another blood clot was discovered in his brain, and he had a second surgery that left him weakened.

"We at DiBella Entertainment are devastated by the loss of our great friend and champion," said Lou DiBella, Johnson's promoter. "Our prayers are with his parents, children, siblings and loved ones. His passing is a terrible reminder of the dangers inherent in our sport of boxing.

"Despite the high level of medical care and regulation in Nevada, it is also a reminder that the health and safety of fighters must be protected to the greatest extent possible and that national, uniform health and safety regulations must be instituted and enforced. If there is any comfort to be taken at this time of great sorrow, it is that Leavander lived his dream and died a champion doing what he loved most."

Bill Johnson, Leavander's father and trainer, was at his son's bedside when he died, as was his mother, sister, two brothers and girlfriend. Funeral plans are pending.

"Bill Johnson, on behalf of the family, wishes to thank the public and boxing community for the love and support that they extended to Leavander and his team," a DiBella Entertainment statement said. "Bill would also like to wish the best of luck to Jesus Chavez, a great champion, and to tell him that he is blameless in this tragic situation. DiBella Entertainment and the family are establishing the Leavander Fund to support the essential needs and education of Leavander's four children."

[Green DNA]

This poor guy probably felt like he was on top of the world after winning the title in June. It's a shame.

[joewilly]

yeah,sounds like he was a class guy too. not sure how old he or his kids are but this is truly tragic. He died doing what he loved to do. rip & best of luck to those left behind

footnote:I don't care how tomshane tries to spin this, it was not herm edwards' fault.