Johnston defended the title three times before losing the belt to Cesar Bazan in 1998 in a close decision. In 1999 he won a rematch against Bazan in another close decision. He defended the title four times, including a victory over Angel Manfredy, but lost the belt in a loss to José Luis Castillo in 2000 via majority decision.
Johnston successfully defended his title three times before losing it to Cesar Bazan in 1998 in a tight contest. He then won a rematch against Bazan in 1999, also by a close margin.  He defended the belt four times, including a win over Angel Manfredy, but ultimately lost it to José Luis Castillo in 2000 via a majority decision.