Japan is renowned for its world-class boxing champions. From the early days of professional boxing in Japan, boxers have made a name for themselves in the international arena, winning world titles and achieving success on the global stage.
We will take a look at some of the best professional boxers to have come out of Japan. From legendary champions to young up-and-comers, we will explore the history and accomplishments of the nation’s top fighters.
1. Naoya Inoue
Naoya Inoue is a renowned Japanese professional boxer. He is nicknamed “The Monster” for his impressive fight record and extraordinary boxing skills. Inoue is known for his impeccable timing, tremendous speed, and powerful punches, especially when it comes to body-punching.
He is truly a force to be reckoned with in the boxing world, with a knockout ratio of an impressive 92%. His impressive skill and record have made him one of the most successful boxers in Japan.
2. Kazuto Ioka
Kazuto Ioka is a Japanese professional boxer who made history by becoming the first male Japanese boxer and the fourth Asian boxer to become a four-weight world champion. He achieved this remarkable feat by holding the unified WBA and WBC mini-flyweight titles between …
This is an impressive accomplishment, as it is not an easy feat for any boxer to hold multiple world titles in different weight divisions. Ioka has been a professional boxer since 2009, and has a record of 25 wins in 28 fights, with 15 wins coming by way of knockout.
He is currently the unified WBA and WBC light flyweight champion. Ioka has been able to rise to the top of the sport by displaying a great combination of power, speed, and technical skill.
He is an inspiration to many aspiring boxers and shows that with hard work and dedication, one can achieve great things.
3. Kenshiro Teraji
Kenshiro Teraji, commonly referred to as Ken Shiro, is a Japanese professional boxer.
He is a two-time world champion, having won the World Boxing Council (WBC) light flyweight title from 2017 to 2021, and then the unified World Boxing Association (WBA), WBC, and The Ring light flyweight titles since 2022.
This makes him one of the most successful Japanese boxers of all time. Ken Shiro has been boxing since childhood and has won numerous tournaments in Japan. He has a record of 37 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, with 25 of his wins coming by way of knockout.
In 2017, he won his first world title when he defeated Mexican boxer Ganigan Lopez by unanimous decision. This win earned him the WBC light flyweight championship belt. In 2021, Ken Shiro successfully defended his WBC title against Mexican boxer Pedro Guevara.
He then went on to unify the WBA, WBC, and The Ring light flyweight titles when he defeated Mexican boxer Axel Aragon Vega in 2022.
He is currently the only Japanese boxer to hold the unified titles in the light flyweight division. Ken Shiro is considered to be one of the most skilled Japanese boxers of all time. He is known for his lightning-fast punches and his ability to quickly finish fights.
He is an excellent defensive fighter and has a strong chin which helps him withstand his opponents’ blows. Ken Shiro has a bright future ahead of him, and he will likely continue to dominate the light flyweight division for years to come.
4. Junto Nakatani
Junto Nakatani is an accomplished professional boxer who hails from Japan. He has achieved great success in the world of boxing, having held world championships in two different weight classes. Most recently, he has held the WBO junior-bantamweight title since May 2023.
Prior to that, he held the WBO flyweight title from 2020 to 2022. Nakatani’s accomplishments in the world of boxing are impressive. He has had to work hard and put in a lot of effort to achieve his success.
He has had to train rigorously and consistently to reach the level of athleticism required to compete at the highest levels of professional boxing. His dedication to the sport has been rewarded with two world championship titles.
He has been able to showcase his skills and talents in the ring and come out on top in two separate weight classes. This is a testament to his skill and commitment. Nakatani is an inspiration to many aspiring boxers.
He has shown that it is possible to reach the top of the sport through hard work and dedication. He is an example of what can be achieved when you set your mind to something and work hard to achieve it.
5. Katsunari Takayama
Katsunari Takayama is a Japanese professional boxer who has achieved great success in his career. He has won five world championship titles in the mini-flyweight division, making him one of the most accomplished boxers in the weight class.
His first title was the WBC title in 2005, and he would go on to win the IBF title twice between 2013 and 2015, and the WBO title twice between 2014 and 2017.
Takayama has been able to establish himself as one of the top mini-flyweight boxers in the world due to his impressive record of championship wins.
His success is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport, and it is likely that he will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the mini-flyweight division.
6. Ryosuke Iwasa
Ryosuke Iwasa is a highly accomplished Japanese professional boxer. He has been involved in the sport for a number of years and has been the champion of the IBF super-bantamweight title twice.
From 2017 to 2018, he held the IBF super-bantamweight title and from 2019 to April 2021, he held the interim version of the title. In April 2021, Iwasa challenged for the unified WBA and IBF super-bantamweight titles.
His impressive record and dedication to the sport have made him one of the most respected boxers in Japan. He is known for his powerful punches and his ability to stay calm and composed in the ring.
With his impressive career, Iwasa has become a role model for many aspiring Japanese boxers.
7. Ryōta Murata
Ryōta Murata is a Japanese former professional boxer who had a significant career spanning from 2013 to 2022. During this time, he earned two WBA middleweight titles between 2017 and 2021 and a third one from 2021 to 2022.
As an amateur, he had impressive success, winning the silver medal at the 2011 World Championships and the gold medal at the 2012 Olympics. Murata was a talented boxer who made a name for himself in the international boxing scene.
He was a determined fighter who worked hard to earn his titles and medals. His success on the amateur level led him to the professional circuit, where he continued to gain recognition and success.
His career is proof that hard work and dedication can pay off, and that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
8. Kosei Tanaka
Kosei Tanaka is an impressive name in the world of professional boxing. He is a Japanese professional boxer who has achieved the remarkable feat of becoming a three-weight world champion.
He first achieved success in 2015 when he won the WBO mini-flyweight title, which he held until 2016. He then went on to win the WBO junior-flyweight title in 2016 and held it until 2017. Finally, Tanaka secured the WBO flyweight title in 2018 and held it until 2020.
This is a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport, and an example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination. His success has undoubtedly inspired many aspiring boxers, and his legacy will continue to live on.
9. Kohei Kono
Kohei Kono is a Japanese professional boxer who has achieved great success throughout his career. He is a two-time world champion, having held the WBA super-flyweight title twice, from 2012 to 2016. During this period, he defended his title successfully on three occasions.
Kono is a highly decorated boxer, with a record of 39 wins, 8 losses, and 1 draw. He has achieved notable victories over fighters such as Tepparith Singwancha, Koki Kameda, and Naoya Inoue.
Kono has been praised for his aggressive fighting style, which has allowed him to dominate opponents. He is also known for his excellent conditioning, which allows him to stay competitive even late into fights.
Overall, Kohei Kono is one of the premier boxers in Japan, and his two world titles are a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
10. Tatsuya Fukuhara
Tatsuya Fukuhara is a professional boxer from Japan. He had a successful career in the boxing world, winning the WBO mini-flyweight title in 2017. This title is awarded to the best fighters in the mini-flyweight division.
After winning this title, Fukuhara challenged for the WBC mini-flyweight title in 2017 and again in 2019, although he was unsuccessful in his attempts to win the title.
Despite not winning the title, Fukuhara showed great determination and skill in his two attempts to win the title. He is a respected figure in the boxing world and has had a successful career.
11. Fighting Harada
Masahiko Harada, also known as Fighting Harada, is a former Japanese professional boxer who achieved world champion status in two weight classes during his career.
He achieved great success during his time in the ring, winning several titles in the flyweight and bantamweight divisions. Harada was the undisputed flyweight champion between 1962 and 1963, with titles from the NYSAC, WBA, and The Ring.
He then went on to become the undisputed bantamweight champion between 1965 and 1968, with titles from the WBA, WBC, and The Ring. Harada’s success made him a well-known figure in the world of boxing.
He was known for his aggressive style of fighting, which earned him the nickname “Fighting Harada”. He was an incredibly talented boxer, and his accomplishments will always be remembered in the history of the sport.
12. Yoko Gushiken
Yoko Gushiken is a legendary Japanese boxer who competed professionally from 1974 to 1981. He achieved great success in the ring, becoming the WBA light-flyweight champion in 1976 and successfully defending his title a total of 13 times before his retirement.
Following his retirement from boxing, Yoko has become a well-known tarento in Japan. This is a term for celebrities, and it is clear that Yoko has achieved a high level of fame in his home country.
He has even signed a contract with Ohta Production, a major entertainment company, further cementing his status as a beloved public figure. Yoko’s career as a boxer and a tarento is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and success.
13. Koichi Wajima
Koichi Wajima is a Japanese former professional boxer who achieved great success in his career. He was the undisputed light-middleweight champion, holding the WBA and WBC titles from 1971 to 1974.
In January 1975, he regained the titles and added The Ring title to his collection. Unfortunately, he lost The Ring title in June of the same year. Throughout his career, Wajima was an accomplished fighter, and his achievements still stand today.
He was able to maintain his title for a significant amount of time and showed his capability by regaining it in 1975. His accomplishments are a testament to the dedication and hard work that goes into professional boxing.
14. Daisuke Naito
Daisuke Naito is a renowned former professional boxer from Japan. He was a two-time WBC and lineal flyweight champion and was also the former Japanese and OPBF flyweight champion. His professional career spanned a period of 17 years, starting in 1997 and ending in 2014.
Naito prided himself on being a versatile boxer, utilizing a range of techniques to outwit his opponents in the ring. He was known for his agility, speed, and powerful punches, making him one of the most formidable fighters of his era.
Naito had some impressive wins in his career, including two victories over Yuki Kondo in 2000 and 2004. He also fought against notable opponents such as Pongsaklek Wonjongkam and Masamori Tokuyama.
Naito retired from professional boxing in 2014, having achieved a great deal of success in a sport that requires a great deal of dedication and hard work. He is a true inspiration for aspiring boxers, and his legacy will live on for many years to come.
15. Guts Ishimatsu
Yuji Suzuki, more commonly known as Guts Ishimatsu, is a renowned Japanese actor, comedian, tarento (a Japanese term for a celebrity who appears on variety shows, television dramas, and other media), and former professional boxer.
During his career, Guts competed in the Lightweight division from 1966 to 1978. He achieved impressive success in this field, becoming a one-time WBC Lightweight Champion and an OPBF Lightweight Champion.
Guts Ishimatsu’s boxing career began in 1966 when he debuted as a professional boxer. He quickly proved himself to be a formidable opponent and went on to become a WBC Lightweight Champion in 1973.
After this, Guts was crowned the OPBF Lightweight Champion in 1976, a title he held until he retired from boxing in 1978. Despite his impressive record, Guts Ishimatsu’s career was not limited to boxing.
After retiring from the sport, he became a well-known figure in the Japanese entertainment industry. He appeared on numerous variety shows and television dramas and was even a frequent guest on the popular long-running show, Waratte Iitomo.
Throughout his career, Guts Ishimatsu has received numerous awards and accolades for his work in the entertainment industry. In summary, Guts Ishimatsu is a Japanese actor, comedian, tarento and former professional boxer.
He is a one-time WBC Lightweight Champion and an OPBF Lightweight Champion and is a highly respected figure in the Japanese entertainment industry.
16. Kōki Kameda
Kōki Kameda is a renowned Japanese former professional boxer who was active in the sport from 2003 to 2015. He achieved great success during his career, becoming a three-weight world champion. In 2006, he won the WBA light-flyweight title which he held until 2007.
He followed this up with victories in the WBC and lineal flyweight titles from 2009 to 2010. He also held the WBA bantamweight title twice between 2010 and 2013.
Kōki Kameda’s accomplishments in the boxing world are impressive, and his legacy will live on for many years to come.
17. Takanori Hatakeyama
Takanori Hatakeyama is a renowned former Japanese professional boxer who had a successful career from 1993 to 2001. In his eight-year career, he was able to win two world titles in two different weight classes.
In 1998, he won the WBA Super Featherweight Title and held it until 1999.
He then moved up to the Lightweight division and won the WBA Lightweight Title in 2001, which he held for the remainder of his career. Hatakeyama’s career was remarkable, as he was able to achieve success in two different weight divisions.
His success in the Super Featherweight division was particularly impressive, as he was able to win the title in just his second year of professional boxing.
He was also able to defend his title successfully against several contenders, before moving up to the Lightweight division.
In the Lightweight division, he was able to defeat a number of highly experienced opponents to win the WBA Lightweight Title. Throughout his career, Hatakeyama was known for his aggressive style of boxing.
He was known for his powerful punches and his ability to use his body to create openings for his punches.
He was also known for his stamina and determination, which allowed him to keep up with opponents and put on a good show for the fans. Takanori Hatakeyama’s career is an example of how hard work and determination can lead to success.
He was able to achieve success in two different weight divisions and was able to defend both his titles successfully. His career is an inspiration to all aspiring athletes and a reminder that hard work and dedication can lead to success.
18. Yasuei Yakushiji
Yasuei Yakushiji was a prominent name in the professional boxing world during his career. He fought in the bantamweight division, where he was able to make a name for himself.
Yakushiji successfully defended the WBC bantamweight title four times during his career, cementing his legacy as one of the top contenders in the division. He proved himself to be a formidable opponent and a worthy champion.
Yakushiji’s accomplishments in the sport should not be overlooked, as he was able to show his dominance in the bantamweight division. His impressive record is a testament to his dedication and hard work.
Yakushiji will forever be remembered as an accomplished boxer who was able to defend his title multiple times and achieve success in the bantamweight division.
19. Hiroki Ioka
Hiroki Ioka is an accomplished former professional boxer from Japan. He competed from 1986 to 1999 and had a very successful career. During his time as a boxer, he managed to win two world titles in two different weight classes.
In 1987, he became the WBC mini-flyweight champion and held that title until 1988. He then went on to win the WBA light-flyweight title in 1991, which he held until 1992. His achievements in the boxing ring earned him a great deal of respect and admiration from his peers.
Ioka’s commitment to his craft was evident throughout his career. He trained hard, pushed himself to his limits, and was always looking for ways to improve his skills.
His dedication paid off and, as a result, he was able to accomplish some incredible feats during his time as a professional boxer. He was a true champion of the sport and his legacy will live on for many years to come.
20. Katsuo Tokashiki
Katsuo Tokashiki is a well-known figure in Japanese culture. He is a former World Boxing Association (WBA) Light Flyweight champion, having earned the title in the late 1980s.
After retiring from the sport, Tokashiki has gone on to pursue other avenues in the entertainment industry.
He has become an actor and television persona, appearing in numerous films and television shows across Japan. In addition to his acting career, Tokashiki is also the owner of a boxing gym in Tokyo, Japan.
The gym, which is named after him, provides a place for aspiring boxers to train and hone their skills. It also offers classes to those who are interested in learning the fundamentals of the sport.
This provides an opportunity for those who may not have access to traditional boxing gyms, or who may not have the resources needed to train professionally. Tokashiki is an inspiration to many in Japan, with his success in the ring and in the entertainment industry.
He is a symbol of perseverance and determination, and his impact on Japanese culture is undeniable. He is a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.
21. Shozo Saijo
Shozo Saijo is a renowned former professional boxer from Saitama, Japan. He is a highly decorated athlete, having achieved the title of WBA featherweight champion.
Saijo was known for his technical skill and aggressive punching style. Saijo’s boxing career began in 1978 when he competed in the All Japan Amateur Boxing Championships and won the featherweight division. After this success, Saijo turned professional in 1979.
He rose up the ranks quickly, and in 1984 he fought for the WBA featherweight title. He won the fight by unanimous decision and was crowned the WBA champion.
Saijo went on to defend his title several times and held the belt until 1989 when he was defeated by Cuban boxer Jose Sanabria. Following this, Saijo continued to fight in several bouts but was never able to regain the title.
In 1995, he retired from boxing with an impressive career record of 41 wins, 7 losses, and 3 draws. Saijo’s legacy in boxing continues to this day. He is still remembered as one of the greatest featherweight boxers of all time, and an inspiration to many aspiring boxers.
22. Yoshiaki Numata
Yoshiaki Numata was a legendary boxer who started his professional career in 1962. He quickly rose to prominence and in 1967, he defeated Flash Elorde to become the Lineal, World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Featherweight world champion.
Although Numata was sent to the canvas in the third round of the fight, he was able to regroup and win the fight on points, thus cementing his place in boxing history. Numata was known for his speed and agility in the ring, which allowed him to outmaneuver his opponents.
He was able to land punches from unexpected angles and his excellent defensive skills meant he could absorb the punishment of his opponents without taking too much damage.
His boxing style was based on precision and technique, which enabled him to dodge blows and counter quickly. Throughout his career, Numata was able to maintain a high level of dominance in the super featherweight division.
He defended his titles multiple times until he retired in 1973. His legacy lives on as he is remembered as one of the greatest boxers in the history of the sport. His skill and determination are an inspiration to generations of boxers and fight fans alike.
23. Ryuya Yamanaka
Ryuya Yamanaka is a Japanese professional boxer who has achieved significant success in his career. He is best known for being the WBO mini-flyweight title holder from 2017 to 2018.
During that time, he proved to be a formidable competitor, displaying a strong and aggressive style of boxing. Yamanaka made his professional debut in 2014 and quickly rose to prominence in the world of boxing.
He won his first ten fights, with seven of those wins coming by knockout.
His first title fight was in 2017 against fellow Japanese boxer Kenichi Horikawa, in which he won the WBO mini-flyweight title. Yamanaka defended his title successfully four times before relinquishing it in 2018.
During his title reign, he showcased his technical boxing prowess, often using a combination of punches to overwhelm his opponents.
He has been praised for his commitment to training and for his focus in the ring. After relinquishing his title, Yamanaka moved up to the light flyweight division.
He has since continued to have success in the world of boxing, with his most recent fight ending in a technical knockout win. Overall, Ryuya Yamanaka is a talented and respected professional boxer.
He has shown an impressive commitment to the sport and has achieved great success in his career. He is a great example of how hard work and dedication can pay off in the world of professional sports.
24. Takuma Inoue
Takuma Inoue is a Japanese professional boxer who has made a name for himself in the world of boxing. He currently holds the WBA bantamweight title, which he has held since April 2023. Prior to this, Takuma Inoue held the WBC interim bantamweight title from 2018 to 2019.
In 2019, he also challenged for the full world title, though he did not win. Takuma Inoue has had a successful career in boxing, as evidenced by his multiple titles.
His dedication and hard work has earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and has made him a formidable opponent in the ring. He has proven to be a skilled and determined fighter, as well as a strong and determined champion.
25. Hiroshi Kobayashi
Hiroshi Kobayashi is a former world champion professional boxer. He was crowned the world junior lightweight champion in the mid-2000s. During his career, Kobayashi fought in over twenty professional fights and won seventeen of them.
He was known for his strong, technical style of boxing and his willingness to take on any opponent. Kobayashi held the world junior lightweight championship for a total of four years, from 2002 to 2006. During that time, he successfully defended his title nine times.
His greatest victory came in 2004 when he defeated the then-reigning champion in a unanimous decision. After his retirement in 2007, Kobayashi was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2013.
He is remembered as one of the best boxers of his era and a true champion in the sport of boxing.
26. Satoshi Shingaki
Satoshi Shingaki was a highly accomplished Japanese professional boxer. He was the inaugural champion of the International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight division, holding the title from 1984 to 1985.
Shingaki was born in Tokyo, Japan, and began his boxing career in 1980, when he won the All-Japan Amateur Bantamweight Championship. He was quickly signed by a professional boxing promoter and continued to have success in the professional ranks.
He won the Japanese Bantamweight title in 1983, and then the Pacific and Oriental Bantamweight title in 1984. In 1984, Shingaki was crowned as the inaugural IBF Bantamweight Champion, after defeating future Hall of Famer Jeff Chandler.
He held the title for one year, successfully defending it twice, before losing it to future Hall of Famer Juan Meza in 1985. Overall, Shingaki had a successful career, compiling a record of 20 wins, 8 losses, and 3 draws.
After retiring from boxing in 1988, he has since become a well-known boxing commentator in Japan. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2018.
Satoshi Shingaki is a celebrated figure in the world of Japanese boxing, and his accomplishments will not soon be forgotten.
27. Shinji Takehara
Shinji Takehara was a Japanese professional boxer who made his debut in the sport in 1989. His boxing career was relatively short, only lasting for seven years. During that time, he made history by becoming the first Japanese boxer to win a middleweight title.
In 1995, Takehara captured the WBA title and held it until 1996. Takehara was successful in his short career, having achieved a feat that many Japanese boxers had not before him.
His accomplishments have gone on to inspire many other Japanese boxers to pursue their dreams, and have helped to popularize the sport in Japan. He is a celebrated figure in the sport and his legacy is remembered to this day.
28. Satoshi Iida
Satoshi Iida is a renowned Japanese professional boxer from Nagoya in Aichi, Japan. He first rose to fame in 1997 when he won the WBA super flyweight championship of the world. The title was won after an intense 12-round fight against the Thai champion Yokthai Sithoar.
After a long and exhausting fight, Iida ultimately emerged victorious in a unanimous decision. This was a defining moment in Iida’s career and marked the start of his rise to international fame.
His victory showed his immense talent and commitment to the sport, and earned him a place in the history books as the first Japanese boxer to win the championship title.
Iida also became a role model and inspiration to many aspiring boxers in Japan, with his success being a great source of pride for his home country. Since then, Iida has gone on to have a successful boxing career.
He has defended his title multiple times and still holds the WBA Super Flyweight championship to this day. He is also a highly respected figure in the boxing world, and his success has been an inspiration to many. Satoshi Iida’s legacy will remain for generations to come.
29. Susumu Hanagata
Susumu Hanagata is a former professional Japanese boxer who competed in the flyweight division. He is most famously known for winning the WBA flyweight championship in 1974.
Hanagata was able to secure this title when he defeated the then-champion from Thailand, Chartchai Chionoi, in the sixth-round of their match. The match ended in a technical knockout, with Hanagata emerging as the victor.
This victory was a monumental moment for the Japanese boxer, as it secured his status as the WBA flyweight champion. Hanagata’s legacy as a professional boxer continues to this day, with his championship win serving as a reminder of his tremendous skill in the ring.
30. Katsuya Onizuka
Katsuya Onizuka was a renowned professional boxer from Kitakyushu, Japan who became WBA Super Flyweight champion in the early 1990s.
His success in the ring made him a household name in his native country, and his popularity was a major contributor to the rise of boxing’s popularity in Japan during this period.
Onizuka’s fame was only further boosted when fellow boxer Joichiro Tatsuyoshi began to gain traction in the sport. Together, the two boxers created a boxing boom in Japan, with their matches drawing large crowds and promoting the sport to a wide audience.
Onizuka’s skill and charisma in the ring won him the admiration of fans and helped to make him a true idol of the sport.
31. Hiroyuki Ebihara
Hiroyuki Ebihara was a renowned Japanese professional boxer who had an impressive career from 1959 to 1969. During that time, he achieved great success and held three prestigious titles.
In 1963, he won the WBA, WBC and The Ring flyweight titles, a feat that showcased his immense talent and skill. He maintained these titles until 1964 and then won the WBA flyweight title again in 1969.
This feat was a remarkable demonstration of his abilities as a boxer and cemented him as one of the greatest fighters to come from Japan. He was an inspiration to many aspiring boxers and his legacy continues to live on today.
32. Daiki Kameda
Daiki Kameda is a former professional boxer from Japan. He was active in the sport from 2006 to 2015 and in that time made quite an impact on the boxing world.
Kameda won two world titles: the WBA Flyweight title from 2010 to 2011 and the IBF Super-Flyweight title from 2013 to 2014. His brothers, Kōki and Tomoki, are also professional boxers, making the Kameda family a real powerhouse in the sport.
Kameda was known for his incredible speed and agility in the ring, which helped him to secure these titles. His boxing career may have come to an end in 2015, but the impact he made on the sport will be remembered for years to come.
33. Riku Kano
Riku Kano is a Japanese professional boxer who has achieved significant success in his career. In 2016, he was challenged for the WBO mini-flyweight title and was successful in his attempt.
At the regional level, Kano has been incredibly successful, having held the WBO Asia Pacific title at both light flyweight and flyweight. This is an impressive accomplishment and demonstrates his skill as a boxer.
Kano is highly respected in the sport and has been successful in his championship attempts, which is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
He has been able to build a successful career in professional boxing and is a great example of someone who has worked hard to achieve his goals.
34. Tsuyoshi Hamada
Tsuyoshi Hamada is a retired Japanese professional boxer who made a name for himself in the boxing world. He achieved a great feat by becoming the World Boxing Council (WBC) world junior welterweight champion in his career.
He was the first Japanese boxer to win a world title in the junior welterweight class. Hamada was known for his aggressive style in the ring, which helped him to become a successful boxer.
He was also known for his strong punches and good footwork, which made him a formidable opponent. His dominance in the ring earned him the respect of his peers and fans alike.
After retiring from boxing, Hamada has become a boxing trainer and has been involved in the sport, helping to develop new champions. His legacy as a championship boxer will live on for many years.
35. Toshiyuki Igarashi
Toshiyuki Igarashi is a highly accomplished Japanese boxer. He is a former WBC, The Ring and Lineal Flyweight World Champion, having won all three titles in his career.
He was the first Japanese boxer to hold the WBC Flyweight World Championship, a remarkable feat for a boxer from the land of the rising sun. Igarashi had an impressive amateur career, winning the All-Japan Amateur Boxing Championships in both 1996 and 1997.
He then turned professional in 2001 and quickly established himself as a top contender in the flyweight division.
He won the Japanese Flyweight championship in 2004 and went on to win the OPBF Flyweight Championship in 2006. In 2007, Igarashi faced off against Daisuke Naito for the WBC Flyweight World Championship.
He won a unanimous decision and became the first Japanese boxer to hold the WBC Flyweight World Championship.
He successfully defended his title against Mexican boxer, Valdemar Antonio Lopez, in 2008. In 2009, Igarashi won The Ring and Lineal Flyweight World Championships in a unification match against Mexican boxer, Edgar Sosa.
He was the first Japanese boxer to hold all three major titles in the flyweight division. Igarashi retired in 2011, but his legacy lives on.
He is remembered as one of the greatest Japanese boxers in history, and his success in the flyweight division will be remembered for a long time.
36. Tadashi Mihara
Tadashi Mihara was a professional boxer who competed in the light middleweight division during his career.
He first started boxing when he was in the third grade of high school, and went on to win the All-Japan Amateur Boxing Championships in the light middleweight division in 1977.
This was a major accomplishment for Mihara, and it set him up for a successful professional career as a boxer. Throughout his career, Mihara competed in many light middleweight matches, and he was known for his aggressive style of boxing.
He was able to use his speed and agility to outmaneuver his opponents, and his ability to land powerful punches earned him many victories. Mihara also trained hard and worked on perfecting his technique.
He was highly respected by his peers, and he was known for his dedication and commitment to the sport.
Mihara’s success in the All-Japan Amateur Boxing Championships in 1977 was the beginning of his professional career, and it set him up for many more successes throughout his time as a boxer.
Even after he retired, Mihara remained an important figure in the sport, and he is remembered for his skill and determination.
37. Sho Kimura
Sho Kimura is a talented professional boxer from Japan who has achieved great success in the world of boxing. He held the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Flyweight Championship from 2017 to 2018.
This championship is one of the most prestigious and sought-after titles in the world of boxing and Kimura was able to achieve it in his own right. Kimura is known for his impressive speed, power and technique, which have helped him become one of the most successful boxers in the world.
His career began in 2009 when he won the Japanese National Amateur Flyweight Championship.
After that, he went on to win several other regional, national and international titles, including the Japanese National Super Flyweight Championship in 2012 and the WBO Asia Pacific Flyweight Championship in 2015. In 2017, Kimura won his biggest title to date when he defeated Kosei Tanaka to become the WBO Flyweight Champion.
He defended this title three times before eventually losing it to Moruti Mthalane in 2018. Despite this defeat, Kimura’s impressive career has earned him respect and admiration from fans and peers around the world.
He is currently ranked as one of the top ten flyweight boxers in the world and is looking to continue to make a name for himself in the world of boxing.
38. Akira Yaegashi
Akira Yaegashi was a renowned Japanese professional boxer who competed from 2005 to 2019. During his long career, he achieved the prestigious feat of becoming a three-weight world champion. In 2011, he won the WBA mini-flyweight title, which he held until 2012.
He then went on to capture the WBC and The Ring flyweight titles, which he held between 2013 and 2014. Finally, he was crowned the IBF light-flyweight champion in 2015 and held this title until 2016.
Yaegashi’s incredible success in the world of boxing earned him worldwide recognition. He was commended for his impressive technique and relentless spirit in the ring, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest boxers of his era.
His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of aspiring boxers.
39. Akifumi Shimoda
Akifumi Shimoda is an accomplished Featherweight boxer from Japan. He was born in Sapporo, Hokkaido, but grew up in Kure City in Hiroshima Prefecture. He currently resides in Tokyo. Shimoda is a former world champion of WBA at Super bantamweight.
Shimoda has had a long and successful career in boxing and has developed his skills under the guidance of Yūichi Kasai at the Teiken Boxing Gym in Tokyo. His training at the gym has helped him become a world champion and one of the best boxers in the world.
Shimoda’s achievements in boxing have made him a household name in his home country. He is an inspiration to many and a role model for aspiring boxers.
40. Saemi Hanagata
Satomi Tanaka, more commonly known as Saemi Hanagata, is a prominent Japanese professional boxer. She is the current IBF female atomweight champion and first won the title in 2018. Additionally, she has also previously challenged for the WBC female atomweight title in 2012.
As of May 2020, Satomi Tanaka is ranked as the second best active female atomweight fighter in the world by BoxRec, a respected boxing ratings website. Satomi Tanaka is an incredible athlete.
She has consistently proven her skill in the ring and has earned numerous accolades for her accomplishments. Her impressive career has earned her a significant amount of respect in the boxing world, and she has earned her place as one of the top female fighters in the world.
As of May 2020, she is still actively competing and looks forward to continuing to build her impressive career.
41. Nao Ikeyama
Nao Ikeyama is a Japanese boxer who made history in the world of boxing. She began her professional career on 30 November 2003, when she defeated Satoko Kamimura in a unanimous decision.
This was the beginning of an illustrious boxing career that saw her hold the WBO atomweight title from 17 May 2014 to 29 July 2018. Ikeyama was the first Japanese woman to win the title, and her record of 4 successful defences is a testament to her impressive skill.
During her time as champion, she successfully defended her title against a variety of opponents, displaying her considerable talent.
Ikeyama’s accomplishments in the boxing world are nothing short of remarkable, and she will surely continue to be an inspiration for female boxers across the globe.
Conclusion
The best Boxers in Japan are those who have consistently shown exceptional performance in the ring, have a winning record, and have proven to be reliable and dedicated to the sport.
They have also demonstrated great technical skill and have a strong commitment to training. By displaying these qualities, they have become the top contenders in Japan’s boxing scene.
