Hiroshi Kawashima facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hiroshi Kawashima |
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|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Hiroshi Kawashima |
| Rated at | Super flyweight |
| Nationality |  Japanese |
| Born | March 27, 1970 Tokushima Prefecture, Japan |
| Stance | Southpaw |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 24 |
| Wins | 20 |
| Wins by KO | 14 |
| Losses | 3 |
| Draws | 1 |
| No contests | 0 |
Hiroshi Kawashima (born March 27, 1970) is a famous former professional boxer from Japan. He was a world champion in the super flyweight division. He successfully defended his WBC title six times, showing great skill and determination.
Contents
Early Life and Boxing Start
Hiroshi Kawashima started boxing when he was very young. His father helped him learn the sport. Hiroshi's older brother, Shinobu Kawashima, also became a professional boxer. Shinobu even fought for a world title later on.
High School Success
In his last year of high school, Hiroshi won the national boxing tournament. He beat another future world champion, Katsuya Onizuka, in the semi-finals. After finishing high school, Hiroshi moved to Tokyo. He began his professional boxing career in August 1988.
Professional Boxing Journey
Hiroshi's professional career did not start perfectly. He lost two of his first six fights by knockout. These early losses made him realize he needed to improve his defense. He worked hard to become one of Japan's most difficult boxers to hit.
Overcoming Challenges
In January 1991, Hiroshi broke his left hand. This injury kept him from boxing for over a year. But he came back strong! In July 1992, he won the Japanese super flyweight title. He defended this title three times before moving on to bigger challenges.
Becoming a World Champion
On May 4, 1994, Hiroshi Kawashima fought Jose Luis Bueno for the WBC super flyweight world title. Hiroshi won the fight by a unanimous decision after 12 rounds. This made him the new world champion!
He defended his title against Carlos Gabriel Salazar in his first defense. Carlos Salazar later became a world champion himself. Hiroshi went on to defend his world title a total of six times. This showed how skilled and tough he was.
Final Fight and Retirement
On February 20, 1997, Hiroshi faced Gerry Penalosa for his seventh title defense. He lost the fight by a split decision after 12 rounds. After this fight, doctors found that Hiroshi had a torn retina in his eye. This injury meant he had to retire from boxing. His final record was 20 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw, with 14 knockouts.
Even though other Japanese boxers like Katsuya Onizuka and Joichiro Tatsuyoshi were very popular, Hiroshi Kawashima worked hard to overcome his weaknesses. He built a very successful professional career.
Life After Boxing
After retiring from boxing, Hiroshi Kawashima often appears as a boxing commentator. He shares his knowledge and experience with fans. In 2005, he opened his own boxing gym in Ōta, Tokyo. Here, he helps train new boxers and shares his love for the sport.
See also
- List of super-flyweight boxing champions
- List of Japanese boxing world champions
- Boxing in Japan
