Ingemar Johansson

Ingemar Johansson, also known as "Ingo" or "The Hammer of Thor," was a Swedish professional boxer who competed from 1952 to 1963. Johansson had a successful boxing career, winning 26 fights out of his 28 total fights, with 17 of those wins coming by knockouts. Johansson only suffered two losses in his career, both of which were in title fights.

Johansson made his professional debut at the age of 20 on December 5, 1952, defeating Robert Masson via 4th round KO. Johansson then went on to win 21 more consecutive fights, including 13 wins via stoppage. It wasn't until his 22nd professional fight that Johansson had his first world title bout at the age of 26 on June 26, 1959, against Floyd Patterson for the heavyweight NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring titles. Johansson defeated Patterson via third round TKO, becoming the NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring heavyweight champion of the world.

Although Johansson had a total of 28 fights in his professional boxing career, this win against Floyd Patterson became the sole highlight of his career. Johansson's nickname "The Hammer of Thor" was fitting for his concussive power, with his right fist named "Thunder and Lightning". In 2003, he was ranked as number 99 on The Ring magazine's list of the 100 greatest punchers of all time.

Johansson had two losses in his career, both of which were in title fights. He suffered his first loss against Floyd Patterson via 5th round KO on June 20, 1960. Both of Johansson's losses came via stoppage.

Some of Johansson's best fights and notable victories included wins over Hall-of-Famer Floyd Patterson, Eddie Machen, Heinz Neuhaus, Joe Erskine, Dick Richardson, Wim Snoek, and Hein ten Hoff. Johansson also held the European heavyweight title twice, from 1956 to 1958 and from 1962 to 1963. As an amateur, he won a silver medal in the heavyweight division at the 1952 Summer Olympics.

Johansson retired from professional boxing with a record of 26-2, which included 17 knockout wins and two losses via knockout, and one title win. In 2002, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF).

Johansson was known for his flamboyant personality and colourful character, which was a precursor to the "Swinging Sixties". One publication dubbed Johansson "boxing's Cary Grant", and in 1960 he appeared in the movie All the Young Men as a marine, alongside stars Alan Ladd and Sidney Poitier.

Ingemar Johansson may have only had 28 fights in his professional boxing career, but his impact on the boxing world is undeniable. His nickname "The Hammer of Thor" was fitting for his incredible concussive power, and his 26-2 record with 17 knockouts shows he was a formidable opponent. Although his career highlights were focused on his world title win against Floyd Patterson, Johansson's legacy lives on as one of the greatest punchers of all time.

Ingemar Johansson Fight Record