Yoshiaki Numata

Biography

Yoshiaki Numata, born on April 19, 1945, in Hokkaido, Japan, was one of the country's most celebrated super featherweight boxers during the golden era of Japanese boxing. Numata carved out a legacy as a two-time world champion in the super featherweight division known for his disciplined approach, sharp counter-punching, and calm demeanour under pressure. His journey was marked by hard-fought battles, tactical brilliance, and a deep sense of professionalism that defined his career both in victory and defeat.

Numata entered professional boxing on July 26, 1962, when he faced Toshio Aida. It was a four-round contest, and Numata won via third-round stoppage. From then on, he began building his reputation within Japan's fiercely competitive boxing circuit. His orthodox stance, excellent timing, and disciplined jab set him apart early in his career. Numata showcased a calm and calculated style, rarely wasting energy and always looking for the right opportunities to land effective counters.

By the mid-1960s, Numata had established himself as one of Japan's brightest boxing prospects. After years of domestic success, he earned his shot at a world title on June 15, 1967, when he faced the legendary Filipino champion Flash Elorde for the WBA and WBC super featherweight titles. In an impressive display of skill and composure, Numata dethroned Elorde, securing a unanimous decision victory. This triumph marked Numata's arrival on the world stage, and he became a symbol of Japanese boxing excellence.

Numata's reign, however, was short-lived. On April 4, 1970, he faced Panama's René Barrientos in his first title defence. The fight was tightly contested, with both fighters having moments of control. In the end, Numata walked away with a split-decision victory, successfully defending his title. The bout showcased Numata's technical superiority and ability to adapt to an opponent who brought relentless pressure.

The following year, on January 3, 1971, Numata and Barrientos met again for a rematch at the Sunpu Arena in Shizuoka, Japan. Once again, it was a closely fought contest, with Barrientos pushing forward while Numata remained composed behind his jab and counter-rights. After twelve gruelling rounds, the judges awarded Numata a narrow split-decision victory. It was the second successful defence of his WBC title and another testament to his ability to hold firm under immense pressure.

Despite these high points, Numata's career began to show signs of decline. The physical toll of championship-level boxing and the pressures of maintaining his title began to weigh on him. On March 2, 1972, Numata entered the ring for his final professional bout against Kenji Iwata. The fight took place in Tokyo, and it became apparent early on that Numata was no longer the fighter he once was. In the third round, Iwata delivered a crushing blow that ended the contest by knockout. It was an unfortunate end to a career that had seen moments of brilliance and triumph on the world stage.

Numata retired with a professional record of 44 wins, 8 losses, and 3 draws, with 12 of his victories coming by knockout. His reign as WBA and WBC super featherweight champion cemented his place in Japanese boxing history. At the same time, his technical skills and poise inside the ring became benchmarks for future generations of fighters in the country.

Outside the ring, Numata remained a respected figure in Japanese boxing circles. His career symbolized the disciplined and methodical approach that has become synonymous with Japan's boxing culture. He was not a flashy fighter or known for explosive power, but his consistency, adaptability, and tactical intelligence set him apart.

Yoshiaki Numata's legacy lives on as one of Japan's pioneering world champions. His battles with Flash Elorde and René Barrientos are remembered as key moments in the super featherweight division, and his contributions to the sport remain a source of pride for Japanese boxing enthusiasts.