Overview
- Japanese outlets reported that Guts Ishimatsu died in a Tokyo hospital of pneumonia and that his funeral and farewell ceremony were held privately by close relatives.
- He won the WBC lightweight title by knockout of Rodolfo González in April 1974 and made five successful defenses before losing the belt in 1976.
- Ishimatsu retired from boxing in 1979 with a career record of 31 wins, including 17 knockouts, 14 losses and 6 draws.
- Famous for a powerful one-two nicknamed the 'phantom right,' he is credited with raising the profile of Japanese boxing in the postwar era.
- After leaving the ring he maintained a public profile through television and film work, where his frank personality cemented a lasting cultural legacy.