Yoko Gushiken

Yoko Gushiken was a Japanese former boxer who held the WBA light-flyweight world title for over four years in the late 1970s, making 13 successful defences.

Yoko Gushiken won the WBA light-flyweight world title in 1976 just nine fights into his professional career, then defended it 13 times over the following five years to establish himself as the most dominant Japanese world champion of the late 1970s.S.-administered Ryukyu Islands and is now Okinawa, Japan. A standout amateur who won the All-Japan high school title, he turned professional in 1974 and won his first eight fights before earning a shot at the WBA light-flyweight world title after just nine professional bouts — one of the fastest routes to a title shot in Japanese boxing history. On October 10, 1976, Gushiken knocked out Juan Antonio Guzmán in the seventh round to win the title, and went on to defend it a remarkable 13 times between 1978 and 1980, winning eight by knockout. His reign included hard-fought wins over future world champions Alfonso López and Rafael Pedroza, and two victories over the durable Panamanian contender Jaime Ríos. Gushiken's long reign ended on March 8, 1981, when Mexico's Pedro Flores stopped him in the 12th round of their rematch, having lost a close decision to Gushiken five months earlier. Gushiken retired shortly afterward with a record of 23 wins and 1 loss, and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015. Known in Japan for his distinctive afro hairstyle, he became a popular television personality after retiring from the ring.

Aggressive southpaw with excellent stamina, able to grind down opponents over 15 rounds

A beloved figure in Japanese boxing who remained a popular television personality long after retiring

• WBA light-flyweight champion (1976-1981)
• 13 successful title defences
• International Boxing Hall of Fame (2015)