The WBC mourns the passing of legendary world lightweight champion Guts Ishimatsu Suzuki

The WBC mourns the passing of legendary former world lightweight champion Guts Ishimatsu

The World Boxing Council and its President, Mauricio Sulaimán, deeply mourn the sad passing of legendary former world lightweight champion Guts Ishimatsu Suzuki, who passed away at 76 years of age due to pneumonia on June 2 in Tokyo.

This is according to information disclosed by his relatives.

Ishimatsu left an indelible mark on the history of Asian pugilism, by becoming the eleventh world champion in the history of Japan and the first to conquer the prestigious lightweight crown for his country.

Guts Ishimatsu’s path toward great glory was defined by resilience. Following tough setbacks in Panama during his first world title attempts against legends of the caliber of Ismael Laguna (1970) and Roberto “Manos de Piedra” Durán (1973), Ishimatsu never gave up.

His definitive consecration arrived on April 11, 1974, when he shocked the world by dethroning the brilliant Mexican champion Rodolfo González by way of knockout, a feat he would repeat in 1976 in an exciting rematch.

Throughout his solid reign, he successfully defended the WBC Green and Gold Belt on five occasions, highlighting his historic and heroic victory via unanimous decision over the legendary former British monarch Ken Buchanan in 1975.

After leaving a professional record of 31 victories (17 by way of fast track), 14 defeats, and 6 draws, he officially retired from the ring in 1978. The WBC joins in prayer with the family of our beloved champion, his friends, and the people of Japan in this moment of deep sadness.