Leavander Johnson (December 24, 1969 – September 22, 2005) was an American lightweight boxer. He once held the International Boxing Federation version of the world title. He won the title on June 17, 2005 against the Italian fighter Stefano Zoff, winning after the referee stopped the fight in the seventh round.

Johnson made his debut as a professional boxer in 1989 following a successful amateur career, during which he fought in over 130 contests. As a professional he quickly built on his reputation as a top prospect by remaining undefeated after his first 22 contests (one of which was drawn). His next fight was against another highly rated youngster, Sharmba Mitchell (who was also undefeated as a professional). Johnson won the fight, earning himself his first world title shot, by knocking his opponent out in the eighth round. The world title fight came on August 6, 1994 against Miguel Angel Gonzalez for the WBC Lightweight crown. The fight, which was fought in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, ended with Johnson suffering his first loss as a professional, the fight being stopped in the eighth round

Johnson got his second world title shot in May 1997, this time challenging Orzubek Nazarov for the WBA version of the Lightweight world title. Johnson's challenge once again proved unsuccessful as the fight was stopped in the seventh round for his second loss. He did not fight in another world championship fight for six and a half years after this, during which time he lost once more after he was disqualified for headbutting Michael Clark during a contest in Atlantic City.

After losing to Javier Jauregui in a fight for the vacant IBF world title in November 2003, many considered Johnson's chance of becoming a world champion to be over, dismissing him as a choker. He only fought once in the eighteen months after this defeat before getting another shot at the IBF crown, against Zoff. Johnson won the fight, in what proved to be the highlight of his career.

Johnson's career record was 34 wins (26 by KO), 5 losses, 2 draws, and 1 no contest.
Source : Wikipedia