It's Too Bad that Amos Isn't Famous!
By Jim Amato
(IB-May 12, 2003) -Who was the best heavyweight to come out of Ohio since the
late 50's? Well of course James"Buster"Douglas, the original conqueror of Mike
Tyson would be mentioned. Also the popular power punching two time title
challenger Earnie Shavers. Mike Dokes and Tony Tubbs both held fragments of the
heavyweight title.Ted Gullick was a pretty good banger and Mike Koranicki was a
clever boxer.
One name that probably would not come up but deserves to be mentioned is rugged
Amos Johnson.Big Amos fought professionally out of Medina, Ohio but had many
bouts in the Akron area. He had a solid pro career but he really made his mark
as a celebrated amateur.
All Amos did as a simon pure was defeat Cassius Clay at the 1959 Pan Am Games.
The year before in Chicago he beat the great future light heavyweight champion,
Bob Foster.
Amos turned pro in 1960 but it was not until he got out of the Army in 1963 that
his career took off. He lost an important bout to slick Billy Joiner but
rebounded to beat Willi Besmanoff and Jefferson Davis.
In 1964 he was surprised in one round by Chip Johnson but surged right back to
defeat Joiner for the Ohio State heavyweight title. Then he traveled to Germany
and drew with their contender Karl Mildenberger.
In 1965 he made his way to England and beat their pride and joy, Henry Cooper.
Less then a year later he returned to England and lost a highly controversial
contest to Brian London.
Things began to unravel for Amos after the Brian London setback. He was halted
by the comebacking Sonny Liston although he reportedly gave a very good account
of himself against the former champion. Then he was outscored by rough and tough
Oscar Bonavena. Kayo losses to Leotis Martin and Elmer Rush followed. He then
lost an Akron showdown to the talented Ray Anderson.
Now how many heavyweights from Ohio can boast that they traded leather with
Clay, Liston, Bob Foster,Henry Cooper, Mildenberger,Bonavena and Leotis Martin
with a good degree of success?
Not too many !!!
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