Hugo Johansson from Malmö first attracted attention as runner-up in the lightweight at the 1910 Swedish Championships. One year later, he won the title in the featherweight class. At the 1912 Olympics, he started with two wins throwing Jonny Anderson and William Lyshon. He then met two future medalists, Georg Gerstacker and Otto Lasanen, losing both bouts after the full time of one hour by decision and passivity, respectively. In 1913, Johansson won his only international medal placing second at the unofficial World Championships in the 67.5 class.