Tampa, FL: For many boxers the comeback trail is the hardest trail to travel. But for 2-time former WBC Lightweight Champion and current IBO and NABC Light Welterweight Champion Stevie “Lil’ But Bad” Johnston every day is in his comeback is as bright and full of promise as the beautiful sunny weather in his new home of Vero Beach. FL. Johnston firmly believes his future is as bright as the warm, sunny skies he awakens to each and every day..
His optimism comes from being given a second chance at life and his career following a horrific auto accident two and a half years ago. Johnston survived the accident and has fought back into top condition and now feels he is ready to take on any of the current list of world champions that include Ricky Hatton (WBA and IBF), Floyd Mayweather (WBC) or Miguel Angel Cotto (WBO).
Stevie comes from a boxing family and took up the sport at the tender young age of eight. His father and uncles were all boxers. His idols were Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard. Like his idols, Johnson is a classic boxer (38-3-1, 17 KOs) of whom TV commentator James “Smitty” Smith says “Stevie Johnston is one of the most accurate punchers in all of boxing.”
Among his notable wins are victories over James Paige, Sharmba Mitchell, Corey Johnson, John Baptiste Mendy, Saul Duran, Cesar Bazan and Steve Quinonez. Despite those impressive names on his record, when asked his “biggest win to date” Johnson replies “My last three wins … because of being off 2 ½ years because of the accident.”
Trained by Buddy McGirt Johnson, and in the best condition of his life, Johnston approaches each fight intent on “going out and having fun. Be smart and do my best. I take it from there and go hard from the first bell on.”
Asked his opinion of the current champions in his weight division Stevie says “The champs are really good. I would love to fight the top contenders or champions but right now my full focus and attention is on my next opponent Luis Ernesto Jose”.
Johnston adds “He’s left handed, 24-4-2 with 22 KOs and from the Dominican Republic. So I know he’s going to be tough and comes with a punch. I’m focused on him right now and taking one fight at time… not looking ahead at all.”
The one message he wants to send his fans is “After two and a half years I’m back!”
The Stevie Johnston vs. Luis Ernesto Jose fight on March 31st is the 10-round main event at the Ybor City Multi Fight Complex in Tampa, Florida. In the 12-round co-feature on the show, co-promoted by Silverhawk Boxing and Ringsports Boxing Promotions, Sherman “The Caribbean Tank” Williams (27-10-2, 15KOs) battles Adenilson “Maguilinha” Rodrigues (18-3, 14 KOs) for the vacant NBA Intercontinental heavyweight title.
Doors open at 6:30 PM with the first bout at 7:30 PM. Tickets, priced at $75.00 (VIP), $40.00 (reserved) and $25.00 (general admission) are available through TicketMaster. For more information call 813.223.7788. For press credentials call 941.358.6825.