Johnny Lira (1951-2012): A Tribute to the “World Class Pug”
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Chicago native Johnny Lira is a classic example of a boxer who’s out of the ring contributions to society far out shadow anything he accomplished inside the ring. The popular and charismatic Lira was a contender in the Lightweight division in the late 1970’s and early 80’s. The “World Class Pug” had an excellent amateur career, competing at both Welterweight and Middleweight. He was a two time Chicago Golden Gloves winner and competed in the 1976 Olympic Trials, winning a bronze medal. Lira was a rare case of a fighter who actually moved down in weight once he became a professional.
Johnny turned professional on November 17, 1976 with a 4th round knockout victory over Genaro Gloria. By January 1978, he had compiled a record of 14-0-1, 8 KO’s. On August 1st, 1978, the “World Class Pug” faced hard punching Hawaiian slugger Andy Ganigan, who was undefeated and went on later in his career to become a world champion.
The gritty Lira rose to the challenge, knocking out Ganigan in the 6th round. Johnny then faced fringe contender Larry Stanton in December 1978. Stanton had gone the distance with Olympic prospect, Howard Davis JR., seven months earlier losing by a close split decision. Lira overcame two knockdowns in the fight and went on to win by a unanimous decision.
Eight months later, Lira received a title chance against WBA Lightweight champion Ernesto Espana. Johnny gave a spirited effort, flooring the champion in the 7th round before losing by stoppage in cuts in the 9th. This is as close at the “World Class Pug” would get to a World Championship. Johnny would go on to lose a unanimous decision to Howard Davis in December 1980. He also lost by a 9th round TKO to JR. Welterweight contender Willie Rodriguez in August 1981. Finally he dropped a majority decision to former JR Lightweight champion Alfredo Escalera in July 1982. Lira retired in 1984 after losing a unanimous decision to Russell Mitchell in September 1984. Over an 8 year career, the “World Class Pug” had a ring record of 29-6-1, 16 KO’s.
Even before he retired, Lira was involved in many other aspects of the boxing scene. The “World Class Pug” was passionate about youth boxing and was the head coach for Chicago’s Union Boxing League in the late 1970’s. Johnny viewed this as a way to help troubled youths to develop self-esteem and self-respect. He also trained a number of professional boxers, notably working with RSR’s very own James “Quick” Tillis in the early 1980’s. Johnny also worked as a judge, referee, and boxing promoter.
The “World Class Pug” was an activist, heavily involved with Chicago politics. He teamed up with other former boxers to lobby for pensions and unionization for retired professional fighters. Lira founded the S.P.A.R.T.A (Sports Professional Athletes Resolving To Achieve) program in 1998. Johnny’s goal was to provide athletes with education and a support system for dealing with financial and daily life issues. The World Class Pug also tried his hand at acting, most notably appearing alongside Cuba Gooding, JR. and James Marshall in the 1992 boxing film “Gladiator”.
Unfortunately, after a long battle, Lira passed away tragically of liver failure on December 8th, 2012. He was 61. The “World Class Pug’s” final gesture to the world was to donate his brain to the Boston University School of Medicine. For years, Lira had been among a number of activists who were interested in learning more and addressing the effects of concussions and head trauma on former boxers and other athletes. Posthumously, he was diagnosed with stage 3 of Traumatic Encephalopathy, the brain disease more commonly known as CTE. This is a disease that affects not just former boxers but also a topic of great concern for athletes of other sports, most notably NFL football players. Johnny’s final gracious gesture demonstrates his deep concern for welfare of his fellow man and the fate of other former athletes. Johnny Lira was not just a “World Class Pug”. More importantly, he was a “World Class Man” as well.