FORMER WBC CHAMPION STEVIE “LIL BUT BAD” JOHNSTON WILL BE INDUCTED INTO COLORADO GOLDEN GLOVES HALL OF FAME THIS SATURDAY

By WBCnews

Twice WBC lightweight Champion Stevie “Lil But Bad” Johnston will this Saturday be inducted into the Colorado Golden Gloves Hall of Fame.

It`s a so well deserved accolade for Stevie who started boxing aged eight. Trained by his Uncles Rich and Chris he achieved outstanding success. During a brilliant amateur career of 260-13, he fought towering Vernon Forrest and lightening quick Shane Mosley. Stevie`s greatest highlight was winning the super lightweight gold medal in the Pan American Games in Havana, Cuba in 1991.

Stevie considers going to France and winning the WBC Lightweight belt from Jean Baptiste Mendy as his greatest achievement in the pro ranks. In his first reign he defended his belt three times. He lost to Cesar Bazan, but won the rematch for a second reign of four successful defences. He lost his crown to a young and upcoming Jose Luis Castillo, but then fought his heart out for an apparent victory. Confusion concerning one of the score cards, and a draw was announced, so Castillo kept the title. Stevie recalls: “I didn`t know they could do that? I cried and I was terribly disappointed. It happens… and it happened to me.”

Stevie also, was a N.A.B.F Lightweight Champion and he defended that belt three times.
WBC Cares Ambassadors Stephen and Raylene Blea, honored the Champ with a WBC Medal & Certificate and he was thrilled. And now Stevie`s home State is recognizing his magnificent achievements. Stevie, who is recovering well from hip surgery, is training youngsters to on pass his wealth of knowledge. Commenting about the induction he said: “Amateur boxing was great preparation, because it taught me to always stay in shape. I think this induction is cool and I worked hard for it.”

Stevie trained in the same gym as Stephen Blea, who recalls: “Stevie has such tremendous desire and willpower. Though he`s five feet five inches tall, he fought six footers. Height and size just didn`t matter to him. Stevie has a never quit attitude. He never, ever gives up.

“If you ever saw him on the football field, Stevie was awesome. I thought my God, they`re going to crush this small boy, but he was so fast and absolutely fearless. Stevie Johnston was not scared to go toe to toe on a football field or in a boxing ring if he had to!”