Stanley ‘Kid Muscle’ Johnson (7-1, 5 KOs) is a professional boxer and Esports competitor from Houston, who grew up in New Orleans. He is ranked #12 in U.S. Cruiserweight and #108 globally. Prior to his boxing career, Johnson has served in the US Navy. Stanley also participates in eSports, and serves as brand ambassador for 4ESPORTS/4EGAMES, in partnership with Eruption Boxing Management. His manager, Gwen Legge of Orange, California, owns Eruption Boxing Management and brings an innovative management style.
Q & A
FightMatrix: Can you share a memorable experience from your childhood in New Orleans, that shaped who you are today? What led you to leave Louisiana, and how did that transition influence your personal and professional journey?
Stanley Johnson: One huge experience I believe that shaped who I am is Hurricane Katrina. The disaster required me to move and it gave me a much needed change of scenery. This introduced me to more people and gave me the opportunity to live with my father. This helped me learn a more committed lifestyle to the sports I played and ultimately gave me a base for my athletic ability.
FM: You left the military and moved to Texas in 2018. Which branch did you serve in, and how did the transition affect you?
SJ: I served four years in the United States Navy. The decision to move to Texas came from one of my mentors while I was on deployment. He mentioned that it would be best to move to Texas because I had family there already and it would help me escape the same troubles that I had while I was in Louisiana. It turned out being one of the best decisions I made.
FM: Why did you want to proceed with becoming a boxer after the military?
SJ: I wanted to fight for a long time, but I never had the courage or discipline to actually do it. Being in Navy help mold that discipline for me and give me the drive to give this everything I had.
FM: Of Marvin Hagler, Evander Holyfield, and Salvador Sanchez, who is your favorite? Do you watch and study their classic fights, and has this helped your performance?
SJ: My fav of the 3 to study is Hagler, but my fav to watch is Sanchez. I study all 3 on a consistent basis and they have helped drastically in my performance in the ring. I have taken things from all 3 that have been helped me in my career and I continue to learn from them ’til this day.
FM: You train hard and work closely with your coach on conditioning. Does this also benefit your mindset? How does your mentality differ during training versus fights, and is there anything specific you focus on?
SJ: Yes ,the way we train helps me build an ironclad mindset for the actual fight. It keeps me from falling into a “quitters” mentality when I go through any struggle as I compete. Our main focus is always outworking our opponent in all aspects of the game.
FM: You have a boxing match on October 25, 2025, in Brisbane, AU. How are you preparing for it? Any changes to your training this time?
SJ: Not many differences in the actual way that I am training, but I am working on some new things that will be revealed when I hop in the ring October 25.
FM: How was it to be a brand ambassador for 4ESPORTS/4EGAMES, whilst representing Eruption Boxing Management?
SJ: It was a great experience and I met some amazing people that I can’t wait to work with more in the future.
FM: Which eSports games did you compete in, and how was it to spend a day gaming?
SJ: I didn’t get a chance to compete, but I did run some practice matches in Street Fighter 6 with the StrikeFirst team.
FM: What’s your favorite food? Are you a good cook?
SJ: My fav food to eat when I’m out is ramen and when I’m cooking for myself its chicken and mac n cheese. I am an amazing cook! Might be on a cooking show in the future!
FM: Do you have any other interesting hobbies besides boxing and gaming?
SJ: I am an huge comic/manga reader and I also am a bit of a foodie. Love trying new foods and restaurants.
FM: Is there anything else you would like to share with your fans and FightMatrix readers?
SJ: I just would like to thank my family, team, all my fans and supporters for being with me this entire journey! We got so much more greatness on the way!!!
MMA & Boxing Author | Business Development Consultant
I have been a fan and avid viewer of all combat sports for decades. I was once a Judoka, which is what eventually piqued my interest in Mixed Martial Arts. I have been a spectator of the UFC since 2001. For 25 years I’ve worked in healthcare, and now am trying to make something that was a hobby, into a full-time endeavor.