Takeshi Fuji

Infobox_Boxer


name=Takeshi Fuji
realname=Paul Takeshi Fujii
nickname=Hammer Punch
weight=light welterweight
nationality= flagicon|USA American
birth_date=birth date and age|1940|07|06
death_date=
birth_place=Honolulu, Hawaii
home=Tokyo, Japan
style=Orthodox
total=38
wins=34
KO=29
losses=3
draws=1
no contests=0|

Takeshi Fuji (藤猛, born Paul Takeshi Fujii on July 6, 1940) is a former professional boxer from Hawaii. He is a former world super lightweight (light welterweight) champion.

Biography

Fuji was born a third generation Japanese-American. He was raised in the United States, but traveled to Japan, where he joined the boxing gym run by former professional wrestler Rikidozan. 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 world super lightweight champion Sandro Lopopolo in April, 1967. Fuji won by KO in the second round to become the new world champion.

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.

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

* List of light welterweight boxing champions

External links

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