Hozumi Hasegawa

Born on December 16, 1980, Hozumi Hasegawa is the former WBC Champion of the Bantamweight Division, and currently the WBC world featherweight champion. He earned two consecutive MVP awards in 2005 and 2006 by the Japanese Boxing Commission.

A known boxer from Hyogo, Japan, Hozumi is the one and only Japanese boxer who has defended his title four times. He became professional early in 1999. In 2003, he won the OPBF bantamweight title against Jesse Maca by a 12 round decision. He held on to his title until December 20, 2004.

Hasegawa fought with Veeraphol Sahaprom, a fifteen times WBC bantamweight defender for six years. The fight led to a decision giving Hesagawa a 3-0 victory.

Hozumi defended his bantam weight title at the Yokohama Arena on September 25, 2005 which was fortunately his wedding anniversary. The original contender was Diego Morales but since Morales backed out because of an injury, Geraldo Martinez fought instead. Hasegawa knocked down Martinez and successfully defended his title with a Total Knock Out victory. In 2006 at Kobe, he fought with Veeraphol. Hozumi gave Veeraphol a powerful right hook before the 9th round and knocked Sahaprom out.

Hozumi's third major title defence was on November 13, 2006. His opponent, Genaro Garcia was the top 1 in the WBC. Hozumi won the fight after 12 rounds. In 2007, Hasegawa fought with South African boxer, Simpiwe Vetyeka whho was an undefeated challenger four times. He was defeated by Hozumi but it was the first time that the Japanese boxer won without knocking out an opponent. Hozumi again won by a unanimous decision when he fought against Simone Malodrutto in January 10, 2008.

The Japanese boxer with a south paw stance has 32 fights in his boxing career to date. He had 29 wins so far and 12 of which were won by knock out, and has lost 3 matches.