is a Japanese former

professional boxer Professional boxing, or prizefighting, is regulated, sanctioned boxing. Professional boxing bouts are fought for a purse that is divided between the boxers as determined by contract. Most professional bouts are supervised by a regulatory autho ...

who competed from 1974 to 1981. He held the WBA

light-flyweight Light flyweight, also known as junior flyweight or super strawweight, is a Weight class (boxing), weight class in boxing. Professional boxing The weight limit at light flyweight in professional boxing is 108 pounds (49 kilograms). When New York (s ...

title from 1976 to 1981, making a total of 13 successful defences. Following his retirement from boxing, he remains popular in Japan as a ''

tarento Television personalities in Japan, known as in Japanese, are celebrities who regularly appear in mass media in Japan, especially as panelists on variety shows. During the Golden Age of Hollywood, bankable stars in America were described as " ...

'' having signed a contract with

Ohta Production , sometimes shortened to Ohta Pro, is a Japanese talent agency headquartered in Yotsuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo. It was founded in 1963 and focuses on talent management for actors, athletes, comedians and '. The agency have produced numerous televisio ...

. He is well known in Japan for his comical trademark looks of perm afro hair style. Gushiken was inducted in 2015 to the

International Boxing Hall of Fame The modern International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF), located in Canastota, New York, honors boxers, trainers and other contributors to the sport worldwide. Inductees are selected by members of the Boxing Writers Association of America. The I ...

Biography

Gushiken was known for having strong stamina, allowing him to pressure opponents into mistakes after many rounds. His

southpaw stance In boxing and some other sports, a southpaw stance is where the boxer has the right hand and the right foot forward, leading with right jabs, and following with a left cross right hook. It is the normal stance for a left-handed boxer. The corres ...

allowed him to take advantage of many mistakes, usually by throwing unexpected combinations of punches instead of waiting for counterpunch opportunities. His popularity centered in mainland Japan, where he was known by the nickname ''Kanmuriwashi'' (''Fierce Eagle'') and crowds were normally sold out. He quickly rose through the amateur ranks and won All-Japan in high school.

WBA light-flyweight champion

After that, he went pro and fought for the WBA light-flyweight title after just nine professional fights. He defeated Juan Antonio Guzmán, a well-seasoned pro, by knockout in the seventh round. He held the title for over four years, making thirteen defenses and winning eight by knockout. Jaime Rios nearly defeated Gushiken in 1977 and 1978, but lost after wilting in the last rounds of the match. Other victories of note were against Panama's future world champions Alfonso Lopez and Rafael Pedroza. As with Rios, they lost after many rounds of being worn down by Gushiken. In his thirteenth title defense, he fought Pedro Flores, winning by a close margin. In the rematch, Flores was better at reserving his energy and defeated Gushiken by knockout in the twelfth round. Many expected Gushiken to return to the ring, but he announced his retirement five months after his loss.

''Tarento''

Despite retiring from boxing in 1981, he remains a popular figure in Japan. As a ''

'' he has appeared on countless

variety Variety may refer to: Arts and entertainment Entertainment formats * Variety (radio) * Variety show, in theater and television Films * ''Variety'' (1925 film), a German silent film directed by Ewald Andre Dupont * ''Variety'' (1935 film), ...

and quiz shows, including "Cream Quiz! Miracle 9" where he is a regular.

Professional boxing record

References

External links