PRESS RELEASE: It is with great sadness that we announce that Leavander Johnson passed away at University Medical Center in Las Vegas at 4:23 PM/PT. Leavander fought this injury with the same courage and grace that he displayed in his sixteen years as a professional prize fighter. He died in the presence of his family and those he loved. "We at DiBella Entertainment are devastated by the loss of our great friend and champion,” said DBE president Lou DiBella. “Our prayers are with his parents, children, siblings and loved ones. His passing is a terrible reminder of the dangers inherent in our sport of boxing. Despite the high level of medical care and regulation in Nevada, it is also a reminder that the health and safety of fighters must be protected to the greatest extent possible and that national, uniform health and safety regulations must be instituted and enforced. If there is any comfort to be taken at this time of great sorrow, it is that Leavander lived his dream and died a champion doing what he loved most."
Leavander’s father Bill Johnson, on behalf of the family, wishes to thank the public and boxing community for the love and support that they extended to Leavander and his team. Bill would also like to wish the best of luck to Jesus Chavez, a great champion, and to tell him that he is blameless in this tragic situation. DiBella Entertainment and the family are establishing THE LEAVANDER FUND to support the essential needs and education of Leavander’s four children. Legal services for the LEAVANDER FUND are being provided pro bono by the law firm Wolf, Block, Schoor & Solis-Cohen. Funeral arrangements will be forthcoming as will information about the LEAVANDER FUND.
Contact: John Cirillo, 914-260-7436 or Bally's 609-340-2000, ask for John Cirillo's room
BOXING MOURNS LEAVANDER JOHNSON
It is with great sadness that we announce that Leavander Johnson passed away at University Medical Center in Las Vegas at 4:23 PM/PT. Leavander fought this injury with the same courage and grace that he displayed in his sixteen years as a professional prize fighter. He died in the presence of his family and those he loved.
"We at DiBella Entertainment are devastated by the loss of our great friend and champion,” said DBE president Lou DiBella. “Our prayers are with his parents, children, siblings and loved ones. His passing is a terrible reminder of the dangers inherent in our sport of boxing. Despite the high level of medical care and regulation in Nevada, it is also a reminder that the health and safety of fighters must be protected to the greatest extent possible and that national, uniform health and safety regulations must be instituted and enforced. If there is any comfort to be taken at this time of great sorrow, it is that Leavander lived his dream and died a champion doing what he loved most."
Leavander’s father Bill Johnson, on behalf of the family, wishes to thank the public and boxing community for the love and support that they extended to Leavander and his team. Bill would also like to wish the best of luck to Jesus Chavez, a great champion, and to tell him that he is blameless in this tragic situation. DiBella Entertainment and the family are establishing THE LEAVANDER FUND to support the essential needs and education of Leavander’s four children. Legal services for the LEAVANDER FUND are being provided pro bono by the law firm Wolf, Block, Schoor & Solis-Cohen. Funeral arrangements will be forthcoming as will information about the LEAVANDER FUND.
Contact: John Cirillo, 914-260-7436 or Bally's 609-340-2000, ask for John Cirillo's room
