Johnny Lira: Ernesto Espana, Boxing and One Heck of a Nice Guy
By Jim Amato
The city of Chicago has produced its share of outstanding professional fighters. One of them was a tough as nails lightweight that campaigned in the late 1970′s and early 1980′s. His name was Johnny Lira and he fought his way into the top echelon of the lightweight rankings.
Lira turned pro in 1976 and quickly gained notice by winning his first twelve fights. In 1977, he drew with Manuel Lopez, but defeated Lopez in a return bout. Johnny hit the big time in 1978 when he received a shot at the United States Boxing Association lightweight title. His opponent was the highly ranked southpaw bomber Andy Ganigan. Johnny was a decided underdog going in, but he shocked the boxing establishment by stopping Ganigan in round six. Lira then went to New York’s Madison Square Garden to outscore the talented Larry Stanton. Lira was now high in the ratings and in 1979; he received a shot at the World Boxing Association’s version of the lightweight title. Their champion was a hard-hitting bomber from Venezuela Ernesto Espana. It was a grueling fight, but Espana emerged victorious stopping Johnny in nine rounds. Lira would suffer a broken jaw for his gallant effort.
In 1980 Johnny traveled to Spain and dropped an eight round decision to Andoni Amana. He would later lose a ten round duke to the flashy Howard Davis,JR. In 1981, Lira would post a ten round win over Ohio’s rugged Bobby Plegge. Johnny was then outdueled over ten rounds by Nicky Furlano and was stopped in nine rounds by Willie Rodriguez for the USBA super lightweight title. Lira regrouped in 1982 scoring a points verdict over Canadian Al Ford. Johnny then lost a tough call to former world champion Alfredo Escalera. Lira would come back to win four fights, but in 1984 he lost a ten rounder to Russell Mitchell. That was his last fight.
Lira hung up the gloves with a fine record of 29-7-1. He scored fifteen knockouts. Johnny was stopped on only two occasions.
Later after his retirement Johnny would have a successful liver transplant. His health would remain good for several years. Lira spent his time training young amateur boxers in the Chicago area, but eventually got ill again and died from liver disease on December 8, 2012. He was 61 years old.
Publisher’s Note: (I met Johnny Lira in 1981 at the Allen Park Gym in North Miami Beach Florida. At the time, I was an amateur boxer. Johnny, James “Quick” Tillis who was trained by Angelo Dundee and former cruiserweight contender, Young Joe Louis all trained during the day at the gym. At night, the amateur boxers including myself would come in. That is where I met Johnny who was a sweetheart of a man. In fact, all three of these warriors were at my 3rd fight at North Miami Beach City Hall in 1981 where I went to 3-0 with them cheering me on. I just found out that Johnny died and I want to give my late condolences to the family and say to Johnny, RIP my brother in boxing. We will never forget you…)