Harold Johnson vs. Jimmy Slade (1st meeting)

Harold Johnson 175 lbs beat Jimmy Slade 177 lbs by UD in round 10 of 10

• Date: 1953-01-16
• Location: St. Nicholas Arena, New York, New York, USA
• Referee: Harry Kessler 5-4
• Judge: Young Otto 7-3
• Judge: Jack Gordon 10-0.01

"Light heavyweight contender Harold Johnson of Philadelphia battered Jimmy Slade of NY groggy in the closing rounds and won a unanimous 10 round decision in St. Nicholas Arena Friday night. Johnson had Slade on the verge of a knockout in the 8th session and had him staggering about the ring in the 9th and 10th. Johnson was given good competition in the early rounds by his bobbing and weaving opponent who forced the fighting until the 8th. However, Johnson did the most damage. There were no knockdowns, but Johnson was knocked off balance and nearly touched the canvas in the 1st round and Slade's knees buckled in the 3rd by a right to the body." -United Press

• It was reported that, going into this bout, Johnson had scheduled bouts lined up on February 10th in Miami, February 28th at Toledo and in March was to meet Cesar Brion in Philadelphia. None of which came off.
• Attendance - 2,075
• Gate - $4,760

Post fight comment

• "I didn't do enough infighting. But there's no use taking chances with a guy who can hit. And this guy hits pretty hard." -Harold Johnson