johnny Lira

[Expug]

R.I.P champ. Double tough Chicago Lightweight fought Ernesto Espana for the belt in 79. A big part of Chicago boxing for over a generation. I trained in the same gym with him in the early eighties. The old US Arena at Division and Damen. When I was a kid at the Old CYO I will never forget him strutting in a couple days after he stretched unbeaten Andy Gannigan in Hawaii. His words were classic Johnny when asked about the fight. "When he decided to turn it into a streetfight,I knew I knew I was gonna knock him out". Those that remember him know that summed him up pretty well.

[Rover]

RIP.

[Nile4000]

I think Howard Davis Jr. beat this guy after the whole Jim Watt debacle.

[Rover]

I think Howard Davis Jr. beat this guy after the whole Jim Watt debacle.

Yep.

[jj5000]

A friend of mine had a street fight with Lira about 12 years ago. From what I was told, the 2 ex pros went at it pretty good but Lira took the nod.

[Rover]

I have the Boxing Program from the,

Ernesto Espana vs. Johnny Lira bout.

Saturday - August 4, 1979 (Hilton Hotel- Chicago, Illinois)

WBA Lightweight Championship

Broadcast, ABC-Television- Wide World of Sports

WBA Lightweight Champion - Ernesto Espana (Venezuela) ~ 26-1-0 (24 KO's)
vs.
USBA Lightweight Champion - Johnny Lira ~ 17-0-1 (10 KO's)

The 5' 10' lanky 23 year-old Champion from Venezuelan makes his 'first title defense' in the Challenger's hometown.
Ernesto is a fairly good boxer, despite is awkward appearance. But his strength, is his power. With his long reach (72"),
the Champion can rip hard punches from long range with regularity. His hand speed is good, and the left hand is
his most favorite weapon. Ernesto is suprisingly strong with his thin frame, and has good stamina. He has a solid
chin, and has good defensive skills. His major weakness, he cannot fight backing up, as Ernesto's footwork is
below-average.

The local fighter, a 28 year-old former street guy, 5' 9" Johnny Lira. Johnny likes to slug it out with is brawing style,
and non-stop aggression. Though Johnny is not the most technically gifted, no one can match his heart and determination.
Lira is at his best when he stays close to his opponent, where (69" Reach) he can utilize his body punches. Though he's
not regarded as a big puncher, Johnny has put several fighters out (ie; Andy Ganigan and Victor Hernandez). Defensively,
there's a weakness, as Johnny can be hit (floored twice by Larry Stanton), but his chin is still solid.
His major weakness, 'experience' a lack of World Class opponents on his ledger. No doubt that Johnny will be a tough
opponent for the first-half of the bout, but the second-half will be a true test.

That prediction turned out to have been quite accurate.

[Rover]

A friend of mine had a street fight with Lira about 12 years ago. From what I was told, the 2 ex pros went at it pretty good but Lira took the nod.

Why'd they fight?

[jj5000]

It was an argument that got physical. I know the details but they aren't interseting at all.Lira was younger and, in all fairness, was a better fighter even if their ages had been equal.