Air Force boxer takes national crown

  • Published
  • By Rita Boland
  • 37th Training Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  The Air Force has its first national boxing champion since Jerome Bennett in 1977.

James Johnson, stationed at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, took home the title in the 165-pound weight class at the 2004 Everlast U.S. Championships in Colorado Springs, Colo., recently.

Johnson won four fights on his way to the title. He defeated Dennis Hasson in his first bout after Hasson's coach stopped the fight in the third round. He went the full four rounds against his next opponent, Greg Hatley, beating him easily with a 31-11 decision.

He faced Anthony Dirrel in the next bout and scored a narrow 15-14 victory. Dirrel's brother, Andre, was the No. 1 fighter in the 165-pound weight class before Johnson claimed the top spot.

"That was the toughest fight for me in the tournament," Johnson said.

Johnson then boxed Julius Fogle, the top Army boxer in the weight class, in the championship bout, winning the decision 25-17.

"I dominated most of my fights," Johnson said. "The 15-14 (decision), that was just mental on my half."

More than 200 boxers participated in the U.S. championships. The top two boxers in each weight category qualify for the 2004 Olympic Team trials Feb. 16 to 21 in Tunica, Miss.

"(Johnson's) birthday is Feb. 21," said Ron Simms, the Air Force Boxing Team head coach. "He's going to get himself a birthday present."

Johnson qualified for the Olympic trials in December by winning his weight class at the Armed Forces Championship. He wanted to compete in the U.S. championships to earn recognition as the best boxer in the nation.

"Everybody came to fight," he said. "I just wanted it most."

Johnson said he hopes the Olympic trials give him the opportunity to face off against the fighter he unseated as champion.

"(Andre Dirrel) is the main guy I want to fight," Johnson said.

The top two finishers at the Olympic qualifiers then compete in the U.S. Olympic Box-Offs. The first-place finisher must defeat the second-place boxer once to make the Olympic team. The second-place man must defeat first place twice.

"It's demanding, but it's the process you have to go through to represent the U.S. in the Olympics," Simms said.

Johnson had two extra boosts at the U.S. championships that made his triumph a family affair. His younger brother, Marcus, won the 178-pound weight class in the same tournament.

"That's a beautiful thing," Johnson said. "That's the best thing ever.

The siblings spar against one another to sharpen their skills. Their father, James Johnson Sr., also boxes and also competed in the U.S. championships, earning the title "Boxer of the Tournament."

Two other Air Force team members also qualify for the Olympic trials. Jose Casasola of Eglin AFB, Fla., fights in the 112-pound weight class and Hector Ramos of Travis AFB, Calif., boxes in the 132-pound category. Both men qualified at the Armed Forces Championship.

"I am so proud of this team," Simms said. "I get compliments from people all over the country. It's them doing a good job, it's not me doing a good job."

Angel Landrau, who boxes for the Air Force team in the 178-pound weight class, can still qualify for the Olympic trials if he wins the Western qualifiers. (Courtesy of Air Education and Training Command News Service)