Johnny Bratton

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Johnny Bratton, also known as Honey Boy Bratton, (born 1927-09-09 in Little Rock, AR and died 1993-08-15), was a professional boxer in the welterweight (147lb) division. He fought many of the best fighters of his era in the division [1].

1 Amateur career
2 Professional career
3 Life after boxing
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] Amateur career

Bratton started boxing at age 14 and competed in several Golden Gloves events before turning pro.

[edit] Professional career

Bratton turned pro in 1944 and captured the vacant National Boxing Association World welterweight title in 1951 with a majority decision win over Charley Fusari [2], fight in which Fusari was down for a four-count in the 4th round and a nine-count in the 10th. He lost the belt two months later to Kid Gavilan by decision after Bratton's jaw was broken within the first five rounds. In 1953 Bratton rematched Gavilan for the World Welterweight Title and lost a lopsided decision with scores 85-65, 83-67, 82-68 all for Gavilan. After the loss to Gavilan, Bratton's career spiraled downward with losses to Johnny Saxton and Chico Varona. He retired in 1955 after a brutal loss to Del Flanagan, a fight stopped by the Ring doctor because Bratton was cut over both eyes and because he appeared "dazed and didn't know where he was."