Johnny Lira
Johnny Lira (July 31, 1951 – December 8, 2012) was a professional
Chicago, Illinois
.
Lira won the
Ernesto Espana in his only world title opportunity. Before losing, Lira had knocked Espana down to the canvas, but was unable to finish him. Lira boxed professionally from 1976 to 1984, compiling a record of 29 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw, with 16 knockouts. Lira retired at age 34 after a ten round decision loss to Russell Mitchell
in Illinois in 1984.
Life after boxing
Lira later underwent
liver transplant surgery to save his life. Appearing in relatively good health for many years after 'the fight of his life', Lira taught amateur boxing to children at the Union League Boys and Girls Club, and made public appearances at boxing cards in the Chicago area. Lira died of Stage 3 of 4 CTE (not liver disease as many think) at age 61 in his native Chicago, Illinois, on Saturday, December 8, 2012. His brain was donated to Boston University, where CTE was observed. He was survived by his four children: three daughters and a son.[1]
References
- ^ "Johnny Lira — troublemaker to boxer to mentor — dies at 61 - Chicago Sun-Times". Suntimes.com. Retrieved 2014-04-29.
External links
- link to professional record: [1]
- more on las vegas days at the gym
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