Fight Full Of Hope Turns To Tragedy Boxer Dies Just As Career Looks To Be Taking Positive Turn

Johnny Montantes came to this boxing capital still carrying the slim hope he might become a contender. He ended up losing his life for $2,000 - largest purse of his career - in the main event he so eagerly sought.

What was supposed to be the start of a renewed career for the 28-year-old journeyman boxer turned to tragedy when he died Sunday after being knocked out in the fifth round of a fight two days earlier with James Crayton.

Montantes, who had fought most of his fights as a lightweight, moved up to junior welterweight to fight Crayton, known as a respectable fighter but one who didn’t carry much of a punch. Crayton’s 23-8 record was comparable to those of others Montantes had faced.

Montantes, by all accounts, started well, winning the first round on one scorecard. But though Montantes hadn’t taken a beating, Crayton was sharper and was winning the fight easily going into the fifth round.

His manager, Wes Wolfe, said he didn’t notice anything unusual in his boxer’s condition.

In the fifth round, a right hand from Crayton landed solidly and Montantes went down, probably already unconscious. His head hit the ring canvas hard, and referee Ken Bayless didn’t bother to finish the count.

Ring Dr. Robert Voy was between the ropes and tending to the fighter almost immediately. A waiting ambulance had him to the hospital 19 minutes later.

But there was nothing that could be done. Doctors tried to relieve pressure in the brain in a Friday night surgery, but Montantes never came out of his coma. He was declared brain dead Sunday afternoon, and his family agreed to donate his organs.

He is survived by sons ages 4 and 2 and his girlfriend, mother of the boys. She said a $50,000 death benefit would be used to set up a trust fund for the boys.