Former IFBB professional bodybuilder Johnnie Morant has died

Retired bodybuilder Johnnie Morant has died. Morant competed primarily in bodybuilding in the 80s and 90s. Before turning pro, he made a name for himself in the NPC and participated in several professional bodybuilding competitions. Morant was widely regarded as a bodybuilding icon in New Jersey.

Neither the cause of Morant's death nor the exact time and date of his passing are known at this time. RX Muscle was the first to report his passing on their official Instagram account. IFBB professional bodybuilder and NPC champion Guy Ducasse commented on the post in the comments section, confirming that he was informed of Morant's death by a member of his family.

He wrote:

"This is an extremely sad day for me!!! I spoke to Kenny Morant this morning and he confirmed that Johnnie passed away last night. My thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to Kenny, his mum, children, grandchildren and all his family and loved ones. RIP my brother, we will see you again and say hello to Kemper."

Johnnie Morant made his mark on the bodybuilding scene in the mid-80s. He started his bodybuilding career in 1986 by competing at the NPC Junior National Championships. Morant competed at heavyweight and secured second place at the show. His performance at the first NPC show made him an overnight sensation.

He continued to participate in amateur bodybuilding competitions for the next three years. While he achieved podium finishes at most shows, the 1986 NPC National Championship was an exception. Morant failed to break into the top ten and walked away with 13th place.

The biggest moment of Morant's amateur bodybuilding career came in 1989 when he won the IFBB North American Heavyweight Championship and was also the overall winner. This victory earned him an IFBB professional card and Morant embarked on the path of a professional bodybuilder the following year.

Johnnie Morant competed in several major competitions during his five-year professional bodybuilding career. Some of these include the Night of Champions, Ironman Pro Invitational and Grand Prix. His best showing was at the 1990 Night of Champions, where Morant finished fourth.

Johnnie Morant ended his competitive career after finishing seventh at the 1995 Night of Champions.

Morant's incredibly muscular physique was widely appreciated at the time. He appeared in several bodybuilding and fitness magazines in the 1980s and 1990s. Most notably, he appeared on the cover of the May 1990 issue of Muscle Training Illustrated alongside Lenda Murray.

Career of Johnnie Morant:

1995:

• IFBB Night of Champions: seventh place.
• IFBB Canada Pro Cup: sixth place

1994:

• IFBB Night of Champions: sixth place
• IFBB Ironman Pro Invitational: eleventh place
• IFBB Grand Prix Germany (2): 12th place
• IFBB Grand Prix France: twelfth place

1991:

• WBF Grand Prix: ninth place

1990:

• IFBB Night of Champions: fourth place
• IFBB Grand Prix Italy: ninth place
• IFBB Grand Prix Germany: tenth place

1989:

• NPC USA Championships, Heavyweight: first place
• IFBB North American Championships: winner

1988:

• NPC USA Championships, Heavyweight: third place
• IFBB North American Championships, Heavyweight: third place

1987:

• NPC USA Championships, Heavyweight: second place

1986:

• NPC Nationals, Heavyweight: thirteenth place
• NPC Junior Nationals, Heavyweight: second place