Best fights of Guts Ishimatsu
Over 12 years as a professional, Guts Ishimatsu compiled a 31-14-6 (17) record, including 14 title fights across two weight classes. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Guts Ishimatsu defeats Ken Buchanan
On February 27, 1975 Guts Ishimatsu defended his WBC lightweight title against Ken Buchanan. Ishimatsu was 25 years old with a record of 28-11-6, and Buchanan was 29 with a record of 56-2. Ishimatsu was coming off a win and Buchanan was on a 13-fight winning streak. Ishimatsu won via unanimous decision. Defended the title.
2. Guts Ishimatsu KOs Rodolfo Gonzalez
On April 11, 1974 Guts Ishimatsu fought Rodolfo Gonzalez for the vacant WBC lightweight title. Ishimatsu was 24 years old with a record of 26-11-5, and Gonzalez was 0 with a record of 0-0. Ishimatsu was coming off a win. Ishimatsu stopped Rodolfo Gonzalez via KO in the 8th round. Won the vacant title.
3. Guts Ishimatsu KOs Alvaro Rojas
On December 4, 1975 Guts Ishimatsu defended his WBC lightweight title against Alvaro Rojas. Ishimatsu was 26 years old with a record of 30-11-6, and Rojas was 0 with a record of 0-0. Ishimatsu was on a 3-fight winning streak. Ishimatsu stopped Alvaro Rojas via KO in the 14th round. Defended the title.
4. Guts Ishimatsu KOs Rodolfo Gonzalez in their 2nd fight
On November 28, 1974 Guts Ishimatsu defended his WBC lightweight title against Rodolfo Gonzalez. It was their second meeting. Ishimatsu was 25 years old with a record of 27-11-6, and Gonzalez was 0 with a record of 0-0. Ishimatsu stopped Rodolfo Gonzalez via KO in the 12th round. Defended the title.
5. Guts Ishimatsu loses to Ismael Laguna via KO
On June 6, 1970 Guts Ishimatsu fought Ismael Laguna for the undisputed lightweight title. Ishimatsu was 21 years old with a record of 16-5-4, and Laguna was 26 with a record of 62-6-1. Both Ishimatsu and Laguna were on a 4-fight winning streak. Laguna stopped Ishimatsu via TKO in the 13th round. Failed to capture the title. Lasted into the 13th round.
6. Guts Ishimatsu defeats Arturo Pineda in their 2nd fight
On June 5, 1975 Guts Ishimatsu defended his WBC lightweight title against Arturo Pineda. It was their second meeting. Ishimatsu was 26 years old with a record of 29-11-6, and Pineda was 0 with a record of 0-0. Ishimatsu was on a 2-fight winning streak. Ishimatsu won via unanimous decision. Defended the title.
7. Guts Ishimatsu loses to Esteban de Jesús via unanimous decision
On May 8, 1976 Guts Ishimatsu defended his WBC lightweight title against Esteban de Jesús. Ishimatsu was 26 years old with a record of 31-11-6, and Jesús was 24 with a record of 47-3. Ishimatsu was on a 4-fight winning streak and Jesús was on a 2-fight winning streak. Ishimatsu lost via unanimous decision. Lost the title. Went the distance with Jesús.
8. Guts Ishimatsu loses to Lionel Rose via unanimous decision
On October 10, 1970 Guts Ishimatsu faced Lionel Rose in a lightweight bout. Ishimatsu was 21 years old with a record of 17-6-4, and Rose was 22 with a record of 38-5. Ishimatsu was coming off a win and Rose was on a 2-fight winning streak. Ishimatsu lost via unanimous decision. Went the distance with Rose.
9. Guts Ishimatsu loses to Roberto Durán via KO
On September 8, 1973 Guts Ishimatsu fought Roberto Durán for the WBA, The Ring, and lineal lightweight titles. Ishimatsu was 24 years old with a record of 25-10-5, and Durán was 22 with a record of 37-1. Both Ishimatsu and Durán were on a 6-fight winning streak. Durán stopped Ishimatsu via TKO in the 10th round. Failed to capture the title.
10. Guts Ishimatsu defeats Fred Rolando Pastor
On April 23, 1973 Guts Ishimatsu defended his OPBF lightweight title against Fred Rolando Pastor. Ishimatsu was 23 years old with a record of 23-10-5, and Pastor was 0 with a record of 0-0. Ishimatsu was on a 4-fight winning streak. Ishimatsu won via unanimous decision. Defended the title.