LOS ANGELES (Aug. 18, 2005) – Golden Boy Promotions announces the addition of an IBF lightweight title bout between champion Levander Johnson and Jesus “The Matador” Chavez. This fight has been added to the already-explosive card with WBC junior lightweight champion Marco Antonio Barrera fighting in a unification bout against IBF champion Robbie Peden, and former three division champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley in action in a welterweight bout against Jose Luis Cruz. The Sept. 17 Parade of Champions fight card takes place at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View.
“To be able to put on a show with just one world champion is always special,” said Golden Boy Promotions President Oscar De La Hoya. “But to gather five current or former champions on one card will be a night to remember for fight fans, and it’s a great way to help celebrate the Mexican Independence Day weekend.”
Levander Johnson (34-4-2, 26 KOs), a veteran of more than 16 years in the fight game, became one of the ‘feel good’ stories of the sport in June when he achieved his dream of becoming a world champion by stopping Stefano Zoff in Italy. A true student of the game with the heart of a lion, Johnson has inspired many with his perseverance and dedication and he plans on keeping a firm grip on his title.
“Levander Johnson is a true professional and a working man’s champion,” said Johnson’s promoter Lou DiBella. “His fight with Chavez is a battle of true warriors. On Sept. 17, Levander will retain his title and move forward towards a mega-fight.”
In addition to this fight announcement, Golden Boy Promotions is pleased to announce Chavez has been signed to a promotional contract. “Jesus Chavez is in a rare position in boxing because he’s a fighter’s fighter and a fan’s fighter,” said De La Hoya. “To have a true warrior like Jesus fighting under the Golden Boy Promotions banner is an honor for us and it goes without saying that whenever he steps into the ring, there are going to be fireworks. We’re also looking forward to seeing Jesus bring another world title belt to our team Sept. 17.”
Known for his determination and the two-fisted attacks that have made him a fan favorite over his 11-year career, Chavez (41-3, 28 KOs) comes to fight every time he steps into the ring. A former WBC champion at 130 pounds, the Mexico native (who now makes his home in Texas) may best be remembered for the 2004 war with Erik Morales that saw Chavez battle the future hall of famer with basically one arm and leg due to severe shoulder and knee injuries suffered during the fight. In May 2005, Chavez showed no ill effects from the Morales bout as he won an epic decision over Carlos Hernandez in a bout that will make many “Fight of the Year” lists.