Guts Ishimatsu

, better known as is a Japanese actor, comedian, tarento and former professional boxer who competed in the Lightweight division from 1966 to 1978. He is a one-time former WBC Lightweight Champion and an OPBF Lightweight Champion. As a boxer, he was known for his unpredictable style, sometimes marking completely unexpected victories, and often losing in extravagant fashion as well. He lost 14 of his 51 professional fights, a rather large number of losses for a world champion. Since retiring in the late 70’s, he has gained popularity as an entertainer. He often appears as a foolish boke character on television, but this is an act he puts on for media purposes. As a boxing commentator, he offers precise, intelligent commentary based on his own experiences in the ring. Early life Born Yuji Suzuki in Awano, Tochigi Prefecture (now incorporated into Kanuma) in 1949, he originally intended to be a physical education teacher, but his family’s financial circumstances prevented him from pursuing higher education, leading him to move to Tokyo, where he began training in boxing while working several odd jobs.