Yoko Gushiken

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Yoko Gushiken

Real name	Yoko Gushiken
Nickname	Fierce Eagle
Weight	Junior Fryweight
Nationality	Japanese
Birth date	June 26, 1955
Birth place	Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan
Death date	-
Style	Southpaw
Boxing record
Total fights	24
Wins	23
Wins by KO	15
Losses	1
Draws	0
No contests	0

Yoko Gushiken (具志堅用高 Gushiken Yōkō, born June 26, 1955) was a Japanese-born professional boxer from 1974-1981. His professional record is 23-1 and he held the title of WBA Jr. flyweight champion 1976-1981.

Gushiken is known for having a strong stamina, allowing him to pressure opponents into mistakes after many rounds. His southpaw stance allowed him to take advantage of many mistakes, usually by throwing unexpected combinations of punches instead of waiting for counterpunch opportunities.

His popularity centered in his home country of Japan, where he was known by the nickname Fierce Eagle and crowds were normally sold out. He quickly rose through the amateur ranks and won All-Japan in high school. After that, he went pro and went for the WBA flyweight crown after just nine fights. He defeated Juan Guzman, a well-seasoned pro, by knockout in the seventh round. He held the championship for over four years. In thirteen defenses, he won eight by knockout.

Panamanian Jaime Rios nearly defeated Gushiken in multiple fights, but lost after wilting in the last rounds of each match. Other defeats of note were against future champions Alfonso Lopez and Rafael Pedroza. As with Rios, they lost after many rounds of being worn down by Gushiken.

In his thirteenth title defense, he fought Mexican Pedro Florez, winning by a close margin. In the rematch, Florez was better at reserving his energy and defeated Gushiken by knockout in the twelve round. Many expected Gushiken to return to the ring, but he announced his retirement five months after his loss. While he does not box anymore, he remains a popular figure in Japan.