Boxing
TRAINING INJURY PULLS JOHNSON OUT OF WORLD TITLE FIGHT

07.06 - Press Release - Heavyweight contender Kirk Johnson suffered an injury in sparring Wednesday and doctors on Friday ruled him out of his World Heavyweight Championship bout against undisputed champion Lennox Lewis scheduled for Saturday, June 21, at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

The injury occurred in sparring on Wednesday at his Dallas-Ft. Worth training camp. Johnson threw a left uppercut and felt a twinge. After resting Wednesday night and the pain persisting, he was examined on Thursday by Dr. Alan Stockard of Ft. Worth, who after taking an MRI, diagnosed Johnson Friday with a partially torn left pectoral muscle. Stockard said Johnson would need four to six weeks of complete rest and would not need surgery since it is only partially torn.

"We are very disappointed at the postponement because we truly believe that Kirk had a great shot to beat Lennox Lewis and become the new heavyweight champion", said Johnson promoter Dino Duva. "The injury should heal itself within four to six weeks and we are hopeful of rescheduling the bout for August or September."

"I was notified by Johnson's promoter, Dino Duva, Friday afternoon about Johnson's injury," said Gary Shaw of Lion Promotions. "We are disappointed that Johnson has had to pull out of the bout. Team Lewis has been notified and we are awaiting its decision on the future of the June 21 card at STAPLES Center."

Lewis, who had not fought in nearly a year since knocking out Mike Tyson in the eighth round of their showdown and putting a stamp on his legacy, was looking forward to returning to defend his title as king of the heavyweights.

The event, presented by Lion Promotions, in association with Prize Fight Promotions, Duva Boxing and STAPLES Center, was to be televised by HBO.

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