2020/1/21

Three male students of KUFS recently passed the test to obtain a professional boxer license, and two of these three had already fought their debut match in December 2019.

The three who passed the test are Yuya Shigematsu (Light Flyweight, 4th-year student of Faculty of Foreign Studies’ Department of Brazilian and Portuguese Studies), Yoshiyuki Goto (Super Featherweight, 3rd-year student of Faculty of Foreign Studies’ Department of Italian Studies), and Shotaro Urushihara (Lightweight, 2nd-year student of Kyoto Junior College of Foreign Languages’ Department of English Studies for Careers). After joining our university’s boxing club, they each joined boxing gyms in Kyoto and Osaka, dedicated themselves to train every day, and achieved their Class C licenses that allows them to fight in four-round matches.

On December 14th, Shigematsu made his debut at the Kishiwada City Gymnasium in Osaka. He fought for four full rounds but unfortunately ended in a draw. Then, on the 17th, Goto fought his first match at the Edion Arena Osaka, where he achieved his first sensational win by TKO in the second round.

“I wanted to take full advantage of my college years, which is why I took the test to become a pro boxer,” says Shigematsu. “I already have an offer for employment, so realistically, my debut has become my last match as a professional boxer. I’m disappointed that I couldn’t win, but I was happy to see my friends and my parents come all the way from Ehime Prefecture,” he reflected, with an expression of someone who has done everything he could.

Having started boxing in college, Goto said, “I took the professional boxer license test with a strong desire to get stronger. The moment the referee stopped the fight, I was so ecstatic that I was shouting! I felt overjoyed like never before, and I thought my body was going to shake. I’ll win the next fight too!” he said.

Eager to fight in his upcoming debut match this spring, Urushihara has been in a boxing club since high school. He declares, “my goal is to be the world champion. I would like to continue with my stoic training and win a belt.”

All three pro boxers agree that the hardest thing about boxing is losing weight.
“Boxing is a full-body workout, so it’s a great way to lose weight. For KUFS students who are interested, please visit our boxing club and let’s practice together!”

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