John Lester Johnson (born John Leslie Johnson; August 13, 1893 â€"
March 27, 1968) was an American professional boxer and actor. He is
perhaps best known for his 1916 boxing match against Jack Dempsey, and
his 1933 performance as Bumbo, the titular character in the Our Gang
comedy short The Kid From Borneo.Johnson was born in Aug. 13, 1893, in
Suffolk, Virginia, one of 11 children. During World War I Johnson
served in the 367th Infantry, a Buffalo Soldier outfit of the United
States Army.From 1912-1929, Johnson amassed a professional boxing
record of 39-29-6, with 23 of his wins by knockout. In 1916 Johnson
fought future world heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey to a 10-round
draw, during which Dempsey suffered several broken ribs. Although a
draw, Dempsey later said, "I thought he [Johnson] licked me. I didn't
know how to fight then and Johnson did. Yes, I think he won."Johnson
also had fights against the notable boxers Harry Wills, Kid Norfolk,
and Bill Tate.
March 27, 1968) was an American professional boxer and actor. He is
perhaps best known for his 1916 boxing match against Jack Dempsey, and
his 1933 performance as Bumbo, the titular character in the Our Gang
comedy short The Kid From Borneo.Johnson was born in Aug. 13, 1893, in
Suffolk, Virginia, one of 11 children. During World War I Johnson
served in the 367th Infantry, a Buffalo Soldier outfit of the United
States Army.From 1912-1929, Johnson amassed a professional boxing
record of 39-29-6, with 23 of his wins by knockout. In 1916 Johnson
fought future world heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey to a 10-round
draw, during which Dempsey suffered several broken ribs. Although a
draw, Dempsey later said, "I thought he [Johnson] licked me. I didn't
know how to fight then and Johnson did. Yes, I think he won."Johnson
also had fights against the notable boxers Harry Wills, Kid Norfolk,
and Bill Tate.
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