LAS VEGAS (July 19, 2006) – Two-time World Boxing Council lightweight champion and current International Boxing Organization World light welterweight champion, Stevie “Little But Bad” Johnston (38-3-1, 17 KOs), is set to take on “Vicious” Vivian Harris in the 10-round main event on HBO’s Boxing After Dark, July 29 at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, California..
“This fight means a lot to me because it’s on national television and I need to be seen again,” Johnston said. “It’s a good fight for my career. Harris reminds me a little of James Crayton. (Johnston has defeated Crayton twice) They’re about the same size, right-handed and have similar styles. To beat Harris I have to box, be smart, and stay aggressive.”
The crafty Johnston, rated No. 7 by the World Boxing Association, also owns the NABC super lightweight title. Stevie’s list of victims includes world champions Sharmba Mitchell, Jean Baptiste Mendy, Saul Duran, Cesar Bazan, James Page, Alejandro Gonzalez and Angel Manfredy.
Johnson, 33, captured the WBC lightweight championship twice between 1997 and 2000, and had seven successful title defenses. In 2000, Stevie and Jose Luis Castillo fought to a controversial draw, in which, Johnston originally was declared the winner by majority decision, only to learn 30-minutes after the fight that there was a judge’s scoring error resulting in a draw.
Denver-native Johnston, now fighting out of Vero Beach (FL), has won four straight fights, looking impressive in his defeat of Steve Quinonez for the IBO World title in January. Johnston was inactive for 2 1/2 years due to life-threatening injuries suffered in a 2003 car accident. He has shown the heart of a champion; coming back to climb to the top of the rankings, and now stepping up the competition against Harris.
Johnston is promoted by Silverhawk Boxing, managed by Rider Boxing, and trained by Henry Hill. For more information about Johnston or Silverhawk Boxing go to www.silverhawkboxing.com.