Takeshi Fuji

Takeshi Fuji (藤猛, born Paul Takeshi Fuji on July 6, 1940) is a Hawaiian-born Japanese former professional boxer.[1] He is a former Lineal, WBA and WBC super lightweight (light welterweight) champion.

Takeshi Fuji
Statistics
Real namePaul Takeshi Fujii
Nickname(s)Hammer Punch
Weight(s)Light welterweight
NationalityJapanese
American (expatriate)
Born (1940-07-06) July 6, 1940
Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights38
Wins34
Wins by KO29
Losses3
Draws1
No contests0

Biography

Fuji was born a third generation Japanese-Hawaiian.[1] He was raised in Hawaii, but traveled to Japan, where he joined the boxing gym run by former professional wrestler Rikidōzan. Though he fought in Japan for most of his career, he could not speak Japanese. His trainer, Eddie Townsend, was also a Japanese-American. He made his professional debut in April, 1964 with a 2nd round KO.

In June, 1965, Fuji challenged the Japanese super lightweight title, and won by KO only 45 seconds into the first round. This was his 11th professional fight, and he defended the title once before returning it.

Fuji won the OPBF super lightweight title in 1966, and challenged Lineal, WBA and WBC super lightweight champion Sandro Lopopolo in April, 1967. Fuji won by KO in the second round to become the new world champion.[2][1]

Fuji made his first defense in November, 1967, before returning his title. In December, 1968, he faced Nicolino Locche for the newly inaugurated WBA light welterweight title, but gave up in the 10th round.[1]

In June, 1970, Fuji was scheduled to face former world champion Eddie Perkins in a non-title match, but suddenly withdrew from the fight claiming to have an injury. The Japan Boxing Commission penalized Fuji with a suspension, and he retired shortly afterwards. His record was 34-3-1 (29KOs).

He currently works as a trainer at a boxing gym in Mito, Ibaraki.

See also

References
  1. 藤猛 (in Japanese). Japan Pro Boxing Association. Retrieved November 24, 2010.
  2. "Takeshi Fuji - Lineal Junior Welterweight Champion". The Cyber Boxing Zone Encyclopedia.
Achievements
Preceded by
Sandro Lopopolo		 Lineal Light Welterweight Champion
The Ring Light Welterweight Champion
30 Apr 1967 – 12 Dec 1968		 Succeeded by
Nicolino Locche
Preceded by
Sandro Lopopolo		 WBA Light Welterweight Champion
30 Apr 1967 – 12 Dec 1968		 Succeeded by
Nicolino Locche
Preceded by
Sandro Lopopolo		 WBC Light Welterweight Champion
30 Apr 1967–1968
Stripped		 Succeeded by
Pedro Adigue
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.