Bronze statue of Yoko Gushiken at the Ishigaki Port.

 While looking for places to go in Ishigaki island in the map, I saw a memorial hall dedicated to Yoko Gushiken. And before that, I saw his statue at the Ishigaki Port. So who is Yoko Gushiken?

 

Portrait of Yoko Gushiken during his prime.

 Yoko Gushiken is a former Japanese professional boxer who held the WBA Light Flyweight champion title for 6 years (1976 to 1981) and defended it for 13 times. Having a professional record of 23 wins-1 loss with 15 knock-outs, he was known by his nickname “Kanmuriwashi” (Fierce Eagle). He was active from 1974 and retired in 1981 at the age of 25.

 

Boxing jacket of Yoko Gushiken with the Fierce Eagle logo.

 
 

Yoko Gushiken defended the WBA title for 13 times.

 He was born in Ishigaki in June 26, 1955 making him a true pride of this island. The city erected his bronze statue on December 26, 2013 at the Ishigaki Port Rito Terminal. This is the place where Gushiken boarded a ship to go to the main island of Okinawa when he was 15 years old.

 

Yoko Gushiken Memorial Hall

 Aside from the statue, there is also a small museum dedicated to him which I have visited in Ishigaki City. The memorial hall boasts his champion belts, trophies and memorabilias during his prime in the boxing arena. There is also a boxing ring and a TV monitor showing his boxing matches. It has an entrance fee of 400 yen.

 

From top to bottom, clockwise: the boxing attire of Yoko Gushiken; his memorabilias inside the museum; painting depicting his fight; museum ticket; boxing ring and the tv monitor showing his fights.

 I can’t help but compare this thing with my own country. Philippines is known to produce great boxing champions like the world famous Manny Pacquiao. I was just thinking how come they haven’t think of building a museum for our boxers. I wish they will.