Hall of Fame Flies Flags at Half – Staff for Former Light Heavyweight Champion Harold Johnson

The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced its flags will fly at half-staff in memory of light heavyweight champion Harold Johnson, who passed away yesterday in Philadelphia. He was 86.

“Harold Johnson was one of the greatest technical boxers the ‘sweet science’ has ever seen,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. “The Hall of Fame joins the worldwide boxing community in mourning his passing and offer our condolences to his family.”

Born August 9, 1928 in Manayunk, PA, Johnson turned professional in 1946 upon his discharge from the U.S. Navy. Wins over Hall of Famers Jimmy Bivins, Archie Moore and Ezzard Charles led to reigns as NBA light heavyweight champion (1961-62) and undisputed world light heavyweight champion (1962-63). Johnson retired from the ring in 1971 with a record of 76-11 (32 KOs) that includes wins over Arturo Godoy, Bert Lytell, Bob Satterfield, Jesse Bowdry, Eddie Machen and Doug Jones.

In 1993 Johnson was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.