The WBC announced the death of former lightweight champion Guts Ishimatsu Suzuki, who passed away at 76 years of age due to pneumonia on June 2nd in Tokyo. The sad news was 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 lightweight crown for his country. Ishimatsu’s path toward great glory was defined by resilience. Following tough setbacks in Panama during his first world title attempts against legends Ismael Laguna (1970) and Roberto Durán (1973), Ishimatsu never gave up. His definitive win arrived on April 11, 1974, when he shocked the world by dethroning Mexico's 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 belt on five occasions, highlighting his historic and heroic victory via unanimous decision over the legendary former champion 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.

 

Boxingtalk sends its deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Guts Ishimatsu.