Masashi Kudo (boxer)
Masashi Kudo (工藤 政志, Kudō Masashi, born August 24, 1951) is a Japanese former professional boxer who competed from 1973 to 1979. He held the WBA and lineal super welterweight titles from 1978 to 1979.
| Masashi Kudo | |
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Weight(s) | |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Born | August 24, 1951 Gojōme, Akita, Japan |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 24 |
| Wins | 23 |
| Wins by KO | 12 |
| Losses | 1 |
Biography
Kudo was an amateur wrestler during high school, and only became a professional boxer when he failed to join the Japanese Olympic wrestling team for the 1972 Munich Olympics. He made his professional debut in May, 1973, and won the Japanese middleweight title in his 6th professional fight. He defended the title 8 times before returning it to Japanese Boxing Commission.
In 1978, he moved down to the light middleweight division to challenge Eddie Gazo for the WBA and lineal light middleweight titles. Kudo won by 15 round split-decision, becoming the second Japanese boxer to capture the world light middleweight crown since Koichi Wajima.[1]
Kudo defended his title three times from 1978 - 1979 before losing to undefeated challenger Ayub Kalule by unanimous decision for his only professional loss. He announced his retirement after the fight at only 28 years of age. His record was 23-1-0 (12KOs).
Kudo was possibly one of the least technically skilled champions in boxing history. He compensated for his lack of skill by displaying an enormous amount of stamina and strength, and retired without suffering a single knockdown.
See also
- List of light middleweight boxing champions
- List of WBA world champions
- List of Japanese boxing world champions
- Boxing in Japan
References
- "Masashi Kudo - Lineal Junior Middleweight Champion". The Cyber Boxing Zone Encyclopedia.
External links
| Achievements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Eddie Gazo |
Lineal light middleweight champion August 9, 1978 - October 24, 1979 |
Succeeded by Ayub Kalule |
| Preceded by Eddie Gazo |
WBA light middleweight champion August 9, 1978 - October 24, 1979 |
Succeeded by Ayub Kalule |