Boxer Ingemar Johanssen Dies of Alzheimer’s
February 1, 2009 by Mary Emma Allen
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
Swedish boxing champion Ingemar Johanssen died of Alzheimer’s disease in his native Sweden. He was noted for defeating Floyd Patterson to become the first Swedish heavyweight champion of the world. Patterson later took back his title, but Johanssen went on to other feats in the movies and the singing world.
It has been noted, in recent years, that sports figures, such as boxers, football players, and soccer players, who are regularly hit in the head during their exploits, develop Alzheimer’s in their later years. Floyd Patterson also developed Alzheimer’s disease.
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Very sorry to learn of the passing of this fine
Swedish athlete. Ingemar Johansson was
a gentleman boxer who always respected the
professional prowess of his opponents.
I’ll always remember his loss of the World
Heavyweight Boxing Championship to Floyd
Patterson on my birthday, June 20, 1960.
I was in the US Air Force at the time and saw
the fight on closed circuit television.