Takeshi Fuji

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Takeshi Fuji
File:Locche on the ring.jpg
Statistics
Real name Paul Takeshi Fujii
Nickname(s) Hammer Punch
Rated at light welterweight
Nationality American
Born (1940-07-06) July 6, 1940 (age 84)
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights 38
Wins 34
Wins by KO 29
Losses 3
Draws 1
No contests 0

Takeshi Fuji (藤猛, born Paul Takeshi Fuji on July 6, 1940) is an American former professional boxer from Hawaii.[1] He is a former WBA and WBC super lightweight (light welterweight) champion.

Biography

Fuji was born a third generation Japanese-American.[1] He was raised in the United States, 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 WBC super lightweight champion Sandro Lopopolo in April, 1967. Fuji won by KO in the second round to become the new world champion.[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

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Preceded by World Junior Welterweight Champion
April 30, 1967 - November 16, 1967
Succeeded by
N/A
Preceded by WBC Light Welterweight Champion
30 Apr 1967–1968
Stripped
Succeeded by
Pedro Adigue
Preceded by WBA Light Welterweight Champion
30 Apr 1967 – 12 Dec 1968
Succeeded by
Nicolino Locche

External links