13 Facts About Masamori Tokuyama

Masamori Tokuyama is a Japanese-born Korean former professional boxer who competed from 1994 to 2006.

Masamori Tokuyama held the WBC super-flyweight title twice between 2000 and 2006.

Masamori Tokuyama studied Korean language at Yonsei University in South Korea in March 2007.

Masamori Tokuyama won the vacant OPBF Super Flyweight Title in 1999, and defended it twice.

Masamori Tokuyama defended his WBC and lineal super-flyweight titles eight times before suffering a stunning first-round knockout loss to Katsushige Kawashima in 2004.

Masamori Tokuyama returned after a one-year lay-off to fight Kawashima on July 18,2005.

Masamori Tokuyama was knocked down in the last round, but dominated Kawashima for the rest of the fight, regaining his title by unanimous decision.

Masamori Tokuyama defended his title on February 27,2006, beating Jose Navarro by unanimous decision.

Masamori Tokuyama relinquished his title after this fight and announced his intention to retire from boxing, but later announced that he would continue his career if he could fight Hozumi Hasegawa for the WBC bantamweight title.

Masamori Tokuyama finalized his retirement on March 14,2007, since Hasegawa declined his challenge for the bantamweight title.

Masamori Tokuyama cited lack of motivation as the major reason for his retirement.

However, Tokuyama did neither, using both his Japanese name and real name, while declaring that he is a Zainichi Korean.

Masamori Tokuyama visited North Korea in 2001, and reportedly made a statement vowing allegiance to the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Il, thanking the leader for his success as a boxer.