Paul Takeshi Fuji
| Takeshi Fuji | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Paul Takeshi Fujii |
| Nickname(s) | Hammer Punch |
| Weight(s) | Light welterweight |
| Nationality |
Japanese American (expatriate) Hawaiian (until 1959) |
| Born |
July 6, 1940 Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 38 |
| Wins | 34 |
| Wins by KO | 29 |
| Losses | 3 |
| Draws | 1 |
| No contests | 0 |
Takeshi Fuji (藤猛, born Paul Takeshi Fuji on July 6, 1940) is a Japanese-American former professional boxer. He is a former Lineal, WBA and WBC super lightweight (light welterweight) champion.
Fuji was born a third generation Japanese-Hawaiian. He was raised in the United States, but traveled to Japan, where he joined the boxing gym run by former professional wrestler Rikidōzan. Though he fought in Japan for most of his career, he could not speak Japanese. His trainer, Eddie Townsend, was also a Japanese-American. He made his professional debut in April, 1964 with a 2nd round KO.
In June, 1965, Fuji challenged the Japanese super lightweight title, and won by KO only 45 seconds into the first round. This was his 11th professional fight, and he defended the title once before returning it.
Fuji won the OPBF super lightweight title in 1966, and challenged Lineal, WBA and WBC super lightweight champion Sandro Lopopolo in April, 1967. Fuji won by KO in the second round to become the new world champion.
Fuji made his first defense in November, 1967, before returning his title. In December, 1968, he faced Nicolino Locche for the newly inaugurated WBA light welterweight title, but gave up in the 10th round.
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