Yoko Gushiken

Infobox_Boxer|name=Yoko Gushiken


realname=Yoko Gushiken
nickname=Fierce Eagle
weight=Junior flyweight
nationality= flagicon|JPN Japanese
birth_date=Birth date and age|1955|6|26|mf=y
death_date=-
birth_place=Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan
home=Tokyo, Japan
style=Southpaw
total=24
wins=23
KO=15
losses=1
draws=0
no contests= 0|

Yoko Gushiken (具志堅 用高 "Gushiken Yōkō", born June 26 1955 in Okinawa, Japan) was a Ryukyuan professional boxer from 1974-1981. His professional record is 23-1 and he held the title of WBA Jr. flyweight champion 1976-1981.

Bio

Gushiken was known for having strong stamina, allowing him to pressure opponents into mistakes after many rounds. His southpaw stance 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 "Fierce Eagle" and crowds were normally sold out. He quickly rose through the amateur ranks and won All-Japan in high school. After that, he went pro and fought for the WBA light flyweight crown after just nine professional fights. He defeated Juan Guzman, a well-seasoned pro, by knockout in the seventh round. He held the championship for over four years. In thirteen defenses, he won eight by knockout.

Panamanian Jaime Rios nearly defeated Gushiken 1977 and 1978, but lost after wilting in the last rounds of each match. Other defeats of note were against future 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 Mexican Pedro Florez, winning by a close margin. In the rematch, Florez 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. While he does not box anymore, he remains a popular figure in Japan.

External links

*

ee also

* The Gushiken Family of Okinawa

External links

* [http://www.ishigaki.tv/ Shirai-Gushiken sports gym official (Japanese)]
* [http://www.chocchune.com/index.php The memorial hall of Yoko Gushiken]