Famous Japanese Boxers

Naoya Inoue is a highly accomplished Japanese professional boxer known as the "Monster." He has held multiple world championships in four weight classes and is one of only three male boxers to become an undisputed champion in two weight classes in the "four-belt era." Inoue has won titles in various weight divisions and has been ranked as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world by several reputable boxing organizations. He is known for his exceptional punching power and impressive knockout record in world title matches.

Shinsuke Yamanaka is a retired Japanese professional boxer who competed from 2006 to 2018. He held the WBC bantamweight title from 2011 to 2017, with twelve successful defenses, making it the fourth longest reign in the division. Yamanaka was known as a brawler who traded punches with opponents, showcasing a devastating left cross as a southpaw. He displayed entertaining fights with numerous knockdowns and demonstrated versatility by boxing on the outside. His height and reach were significant advantages in his weight class.

Ryōta Murata is a renowned Japanese former professional boxer who had a successful career from 2013 to 2022. He held the WBA (Regular) middleweight title twice from 2017 to 2021 and later secured the WBA (Super) middleweight title from 2021 to 2022. Notable for his achievements in the ring, Murata also displayed his prowess as an amateur by winning a silver medal at the 2011 World Championships and claiming the gold the following year at the 2012 Olympics.

Hiroto Kyoguchi is a highly accomplished Japanese professional boxer with a successful career spanning multiple weight classes. He has held titles in both the mini-flyweight and light-flyweight divisions, showcasing his versatility and skill in the ring. Known for his exceptional talent, Kyoguchi has been ranked among the top light flyweights in the world by reputable boxing organizations. With a proven track record of success and numerous accolades to his name, he continues to be a dominant force in the boxing world.

Kosei Tanaka is a highly accomplished Japanese professional boxer, known for his remarkable achievements in the sport. With an impressive record of winning titles in four different weight classes, including the WBO mini-flyweight, junior-flyweight, flyweight, and super-flyweight titles, Tanaka has solidified his reputation as a formidable fighter. He holds the record for being the fastest Japanese boxer to become a world champion and has also achieved the feat of winning titles in three weight classes in just 12 bouts, alongside Vasyl Lomachenko. Tanaka's career highlights include surpassing Oscar De La Hoya to become the fastest four-division champion in 21 fights.

Yoko Gushiken is a former professional boxer from Japan who competed from 1974 to 1981. He held the WBA light-flyweight title from 1976 to 1981 and successfully defended it 13 times. After retiring from boxing, he became a popular tarento in Japan and signed with Ohta Production. Known for his comical trademark afro hairstyle, Gushiken was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015, solidifying his legacy in the sport.

Masayoshi Nakatani is a successful Japanese professional boxer known for his achievements in the lightweight division. He held the OPBF lightweight title for five years, from 2014 to 2019, showcasing his dominance in the sport. In 2020, he further solidified his reputation by winning the WBO Inter-Continental lightweight title. Nakatani's career highlights include his impressive performances in the ring, earning him recognition as a talented and skilled boxer within the global boxing community.

Kōki Kameda is a retired Japanese professional boxer who achieved significant success during his career, becoming a three-weight world champion. He held titles in the light-flyweight, flyweight, and bantamweight divisions between 2006 and 2013. Kameda's impressive accomplishments include winning the WBA light-flyweight title, the WBC and lineal flyweight titles, and the WBA (Regular) bantamweight title. His skill and determination in the ring solidified his reputation as a talented and accomplished boxer.

Kazuto Ioka is a highly accomplished Japanese professional boxer known for his success across multiple weight classes. Over the years, he has held various titles including the unified WBA and WBC mini-flyweight titles, the WBA (Regular) light-flyweight title, the WBA flyweight title, the WBA (Regular) flyweight title, the WBO super-flyweight title, and the WBA super-flyweight title. His career has been marked by consistent victories and impressive performances, establishing him as a prominent figure in the world of boxing.

Katsunari Takayama is a renowned Japanese professional boxer, known for his impressive career as a five-time mini-flyweight world champion. Throughout his career, Takayama held titles such as the WBC in 2005, the IBF twice between 2013 and 2015, and the WBO twice between 2014 and 2017. Despite retiring in 2017 to focus on the 2020 Olympics, he made a comeback in 2020 after failing to qualify. Takayama's legacy in the boxing world is marked by his exceptional skill and determination.

Fighting Harada, a Japanese former professional boxer, achieved world champion status in two weight classes during his career. He held multiple titles including the NYSAC, WBA, and The Ring undisputed flyweight titles from 1962 to 1963, as well as the WBA, WBC, and The Ring undisputed bantamweight titles from 1965 to 1968. Harada's popularity extended beyond Japan, earning him international recognition. His influence on other boxers, such as Wilfredo Gómez from Puerto Rico, highlights his impact on the sport. Harada was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995 and was ranked as the 32nd greatest boxer of the past 80 years by Ring magazine in 2002.

Yōsuke "Yōsukezan" Nishijima is a versatile Japanese combat sports athlete known for his accomplishments in professional boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts. Throughout his career, he has showcased his skills and determination in multiple disciplines, earning a reputation for his fierce fighting style and technical prowess. With a strong presence in the combat sports world, Nishijima has garnered respect and admiration from fans and fellow athletes alike for his dedication to honing his craft and consistently delivering impressive performances in the ring and cage.

Sewon Okazawa, a Japanese boxer, made his mark in the men's welterweight event at the 2020 Summer Olympics. His professional life is characterized by dedication, skill, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the boxing ring. With a unique background and diverse heritage, Okazawa has captured the attention of fans worldwide with his impressive performances and unwavering determination. Through his participation in high-profile competitions, he continues to showcase his talent and passion for the sport, solidifying his reputation as a formidable boxer.

Nobuhiro Ishida is a former professional boxer from Japan who has achieved notable success in the sport. He gained recognition for becoming the WBA interim super welterweight champion and for his impressive knockout victory over James Kirkland in a middleweight bout at the MGM Grand Las Vegas in April 2011. Throughout his career, Ishida has been promoted by reputable companies like Canelo Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions. He has been co-trained by Rudy Hernández and Daisuke Okabe, while dividing his time between Los Angeles, California, and Osaka, Japan.

Takuma Inoue is a Japanese professional boxer known for his accomplishments in the bantamweight division. He has held the WBA bantamweight title since April 2023, adding to his previous achievement as the WBC interim bantamweight titleholder from 2018 to 2019. In 2019, Inoue challenged for the full world title, showcasing his skill and determination in the ring. With a successful track record and a promising future, Inoue continues to make a name for himself in the world of boxing.

Tomoki Kameda is a highly accomplished Japanese professional boxer. He has had a successful career, having held the WBO bantamweight championship from 2013 to 2014. In addition to this, he also held the WBC super bantamweight interim championship from 2018 to 2019. Kameda's skill and determination in the ring have earned him recognition and respect in the boxing world. Known for his talent and dedication, he has made a significant impact in the sport during his time as a professional boxer.

Kyotaro Fujimoto is a Japanese former professional boxer and kickboxer, known for his successful career in combat sports. He held the title of K-1 Heavyweight Champion and notably defended it against kickboxing legend Peter Aerts at K-1 World Grand Prix 2010 in Yokohama. Fujimoto was also a finalist in the K-1 World Grand Prix 2008 in Fukuoka tournament and won the K-1 Young Japan GP 2007 championship. His achievements showcase his skill, determination, and success in the world of professional combat sports.

Guts Ishimatsu is a multi-talented Japanese figure known for his diverse career. Transitioning from a professional boxer with a unique and unpredictable fighting style to a successful actor, comedian, and tarento, he has made a significant impact in various fields. Despite facing a considerable number of losses during his boxing career, Ishimatsu's entertainment prowess and ability to engage audiences have solidified his popularity. His transformation from the ring to the screen showcases his versatility and skill in captivating audiences through his comedic performances and insightful boxing commentary.

Iwao Hakamada is a Japanese former professional boxer who gained international recognition due to his wrongful conviction in the Hakamada Incident, a 1966 mass murder case. Sentenced to death in 1968, he held the record for the world's longest-held death row inmate until 2011. Hakamada's professional life was marked by his successful boxing career before his arrest and subsequent legal battle for exoneration, culminating in a retrial and release in 2014 after evidence against him was found to be falsified.