Not every fight we cover in Closet Classic will be a close, hotly contested bout, but that doesn't take away from their appeal. To we look at a bout that saw one man being dropped 7 times, but refusing to just accept defeat. We saw an established champion beat down a big hope, and we saw real intense action between swarmer and boxer. This was an instant classic, and yet not a bout known for being a competitive contest.
 
The Fight
Jung Koo Chang (35-1, 15) vs Hideyuki Ohashi (8-2, 4) II
In 1983 Jung Koo Chang announced himself as a top fight, avenging his sole loss and stopping the brilliant Hilario Zapata to begin his legendary reign as the WBC Light Flyweight champion . After beginning his reign Chang quickly went on a tear, beating the likes of German Torres, Sot Chitlada Katsuo Tokashiki, Isidro Perez and Hideyuki Ohashi. He had cemented his place as one of the divisions all time greats come the summer of 1988 when he travelled to Japan for a second bout with Ohashi. By this point Chang was only 25, but already had looked like he was losing a step. He'd fit 14 world title defenses into his reign by this point, and had fought 36 times in less than 8 years, with almost half of his bouts being fought at world level.
 
By the time June 1988 rolled around the highly touted Hideyuki Ohashi was ready to get his second shot at Jung Koo Chang, the man who had stopped him in 5 rounds back in December 1986. Ohashi was regarded in Japan as a boxing genius, the talent that only comes around once in 150 years. Sadly he had been too inexperienced, too light punching, and not good enough when he had faced Chang the first time around, in what was Ohashi's 7th professional bout. He had rebuilt from that loss with a trio of victories, including one over former world title challenger Tomohiro Kiyuna. His team would likely have been hoping the extra experience and cracks forming in Chang's armour would give Ohashi a chance to become a world champion.
 
Given the fighters involved it was always clear this wasn't going to be a bout where the two men were standing off waiting for a mistake but instead a match up between offensive machine and a natural boxing talent. Only a minute in and Chang was already forcing the action on to Ohashi, who was having to respond boxing in the pocket, trying to pick his counter shots to dissuade the advancing Korean icon.
 
The aggression of Chang refused to slow down, even when Ohashi managed to land some really clean head shots, as he did in round 2. All the good work of Ohashi seemed to just anger Chang, who roared back, unloading with more intensity on the Japanese challenger. The moments of success for the local made for some thrilling scenes, that sent the Korakuen Hall in fits of excitement, even if the punishment he gave Chang was always returned with interest.
 
Sadly for Ohashi the power and aggression of Chang saw the Korean score 3 knockdowns in round 3. Some how however Ohashi ended the round rocking Chang, battling through the adversity to give us a a dramatic turn. 
 
Having come close to being stopped in round 3 Ohashi seemed to become more determined and bloody minded than ever, standing his ground more and delivering some solid and hurtful shots on to Chang, who was forced to slow down in round 4. Chang was still on top, but Ohashi was making him pay more regularly for his aggression.
 
The success of Ohashi was never looking like it would be enough to stop the rampant Chang, even when the pace slowed in round 6. Chang resumed total control of the bout and would go on to drop Ohashi twice in round 7, but Ohashi refused to be beaten there and then and continued to dig his toes in and bite down on his gum shield. Ohashi's heart and desire kept him going, despite the punishment he was taking.
 
The was a bit of a one sided classic, but a thriller, an action packed bout, one that seemed to show there were cracks with Chang, but that even a Chang at 85% was too much. It was proof that determination and will to win is an incredible facet of a boxer, who refused to quit against all sorts of adversity. 
 
Yes, this wasn't an ultra competitive back and forth, but was some how still an instant classic.

Today we celebrate a new period in Japanese history, the Reiwa period. This ends the Heisei era, which began back in January 8th 1989, and although the change is not likely to be noticed in the west it is a major event in Japan.
 
We thought, with the end of the era, it was worth looking at the 10 most influential fighters of the Heisei era. 
 
Just a caveat, before we begin, by influential we're not looking at the fighters who were the most successful during the era, but those who had a long last effect on the sport, specifically in Japan. Those who forced changes, influenced fighters or inspired fighters who followed them. To be considered they had to have fought between January 8th 1989 and April 30th 2019.
 
10-Takashi Uchiyama (24-2-1, 20) - The Watanabe Wonder
Several fighters on this list have gotten here due to their influence with fighters who have followed in their footsteps, or fighters who have turned their hand to promoting. Takashi Uchiyama on the other hand helped put the gym he was fighting for on the map. The Watanabe Gym had been opened for a few years but didn't really have a star to focus on, they lacked a fighter who could help attract top prospects and a man who carry the gym. In Uchiyama they had that star. Uchiyama's long reign as the WBA Super Featherweight champion, from 2010 to 2016, made his one of the major faces of Japanese boxing and he would inspire the Watanabe Gym, which is now regarded as one of the best in Japan. His effect on the Watanabe gym today has lead to fighters like Hiroto Kyoguchi and Ryoichi Taguchi becoming major forces. He's now running a gym of his own, and it's clear that Uchiyama's influence is going to continue well into the future.
 
9-Katsuya Onizuka (24-1, 17) - Superstar Spanky K
Popular fighters are influential due to their ability to draw a crown, get people talking and get eye balls on the sport. That was certainly the case with Katsuya Onizuka, who's popularity was huge in the 1990's. He turned professional in 1988 and would fight through to 1994, running up 5 defenses of the WBA Super Flyweight title, and even having a video game released with his likeness in Japan. Onizuka was certainly controversial, with numerous suspect wins, but his popularity kept people interested and kept watching. Following his retirement he would train fighters in Fukuoka, work for TBS in a commentary position and continue to have a pretty notable impact in the sport, much more so than fans in the West would realise.
 
8-Kazuto Ioka (23-2, 13) - Bar setting prodigy
The Osakan boxing scene is the second biggest in Japan, behind that in Tokyo, and for the better part of a decade the face of Osakan boxing was Kazuto Ioka. He drew huge TV rating, he was crowned as super prospect from his debut and he would, famously, win the WBC Minimumweight title in just his 7th bout. His career has been remarkable, winning world titles in 3 divisions, and chasing a 4th divisional world title. He's notable won an all-Japanese unification bout, a real rarity, challenged for a 4th divisional world title and set the mark for fewest fights to a world title, a mark that has since been beaten by Naoya Inoue and Kosei Tanaka. Ioka put a marker down for the newest wave of Japanese fighters, and really helped kick start the era of the Japanese super prospect.
 
7-Hozumi Hasegawa (36-5, 16) - Hyogo Hero
We're going to mention a man who inspired a generation of fighters a little bit further down this list, but Hozumi Hasegawa also fills that role excellently. In fact Hasegawa ois the man many current fighters cite as an inspiration, especially those in the Hyogo region. He was, for a long time, the one fighter from Hyogo who kept the region on the map, he was "The Ace" of Japan for years, a multi-time JBC MVP, a 3 weight world champion, a sensational fighter in the ring and someone who's appeal did actually cross over from Japan to the West. Hasegawa began his career in 1999 and despite some early defeats he would go on to win world titles at Bantamweight, Featherweight and Super Bantamweight, he was a TV star in the ring, with a great style to watch and with a list of notable names on his record. He wasn't the megastar that some had anticipated, but he was a big name, and the face of Japanese boxing during a little bit of a transition period in the 00's
 
6-Sugar Miyuki (11-1, 4) - Female punching pioneer
Women's boxing today is thriving in Japan, and Kasumi Saeki recently showed how good the top youngsters are. We've recent world champions like Naoko Fujioka, Ayaka Miyao, Etsuko Tada and Shindo Go all make their mark but the real OG is Sugar Miyoshi. A fighter you won't easily find on boxrec, where she's listed under her birth name of Nojima Miyuki and has an offiial record of 1-1. Miyuki was oriinally a Shoot Boxing fighter, a style more similar to kick boxing than regular boxing, but would turn to boxing in 1995, years before the JBC would recognise female boxing. In 1997 she would go on to win the IWBF Minimumweight title, becoming Japan's first female world champion. Her work in boxing saw him raise the profile of the sport in the country, fighting exhibitions and working as a trainer. She would clearly kick start the female boxing movement in Japan, long before any of the others, and was a key factor in careers for the likes of Miki Kikukawa and Yumi Takano. She pre-dates the like of Feujin Raika by years and also played a role in showing that fighters could convert from one of Japan's other combat sports leagues. Although Miyuki is only "officially" listed at 1-1 we know that's wrong, due to footage of her and reliable sources, we her impact it still being felt, directly and indirectly to this very day!
 
5-Naoya Inoue (17-0, 15) - International man of focus
It's hard to really figure out where Naoya Inoue sits in this list. He hasn't inspired a generation of fighters, he hasn't forced rules to change, he hasn't set up a gym, or played a part in the running of the sport. However what he has done, internationally, has drawn eyes to Japanese boxing, he has managed to capture an international audience like no other Japanese fighter, getting American and European fans talking, and featuring as a cover star for magazines that often put Japanese boxing down their list of priorities. He has, arguably, become the first Japanese fighter, in a long time, to become a global star. His real influence is likely to be more notable in the Reiwa era, but it's impossible to state how much he has done since his debut in 2012. He, more than any other fighter, has made Japanese boxing global and we expect that will be something felt for a very, very long time.
 
4-Hiroki Ioka (33-8-1, 17) - First generation Ioka!
Today Kazuto Ioka is one of the biggest names in Japanese boxing. His unclue, Hiroki Ioka, is however a man who deserves on any list of influential fighters. The talented former 2-weight world champion saw his career begin before the Heisei era but his influence grew through out the era. He won his first world title in 1987, 3 months before the Heisei era began, but would make his first defense just weeks after the new emperor took the throne. He went 22-8-1 (11) during the Heisei era, defending the WBC Minimumweight title and winning the WBA Light Flyweight title. He would also chase a third divisional world title, coming up short at both Flyweight and Super Flyweight. After retiring in 1998 he would turn his hand to promoting, inspire his nephew to fight and guide numerous careers, as well as working as part of the West Japan Boxing Association. His influence may often be over-looked but he has been incredibly influential and will continue to be so in the Kansai region.
 
3-Katsunari Takayama (31-9-0-1, 12) - Rule changing road warrior
It's hard to ignore just how influential Katsunari Takayama was to Japanese boxing during his 40 fight career. The Minimumweight warrior was a trend setter who pushed his dreams and forced the JBC, and the JABF, to change how they did things. His pursuit of the IBF and WBO world titles eventually helped their legitimacy in Japan, and played a part in getting the JBC to recognise both the titles. He also brought real attention to the Minumumweight division, in part thanks to his incredible fight with Francisco Rodriguez Jr. He also, very notable, pushed the JABF into allowing former professional fighters to return to the amateur ranks. Whilst Takayama will never go down as one of the all time greats, it's impossible to ignore the effect that his career had on Japanese boxing.
 
2-Hideyuki Ohashi (19-5, 12) - The Phoenix
In the west Hideyuki Ohashi is relatively unknown, though plays a massive role in Japanese boxing, and has done for over 30 years. At the start of the Heisei era Ohashi was 9-3 (5) though went 10-2 (7) during the rule of Emperor Akihito, becoming a 2-time Minimumweight world champion during that 12 bout run. What he's he's done since hanging up the gloves in 1993 has been amazing, and he has not only played a role in the governing of Japanese boxing, due to roles with the JBC and JPBA, but also ran the Ohashi Gym. That gym has given us the likes of Katsushige Kawashima, Akira Yaegashi and Naoya Inoue. The "Ohashi Gym" is one of the most significant in Japan right now and looks to go from strength to strength. 

Notable mentions:
Koki Kameda - Insanely popular, controversial, and a real star. His effect as a fighter was divisive but few can argue that he's not, even in retirement, a major draw.
Kiyoshi Hatanaka - A massive figure in boxing in Chubu, formerly a fighter and now the region's leading promoter with the likes of Kosei Tanaka and Kento Hatanaka making their name under him
Akinobu Hiranaka - Huge punching fighter who's work in Okyama as a promoter has started to build a notable, and exciting, local scene
Toshiaki Nishioka - Japan's fighters have tended to stay at home, fighting in the confines of of Japan. Nishioka would be one of the few fighters to go out of Japan for fighters on a semi-regular basis. He would fight in the US, Mexico and France during his career and prove that Japanese fighters could win away from home.
Yoshihiro Kamegai - Who spoke about Naoya Inoue dragging eyes to the Japanese scene. The same can also be said of Yoshihiro Kamegai, who actually became a bigger name in the west than in Japan, thanks to his fun to watch brawls. We wouldn't suggest many fighters follow his style, but his mind set of making it big in the US has helped lead the way for others.
Ryota Murata - It's unclear how much influence Murata has, or hasn't had. His TV figures are huge, his popularity, even now, is massive, but the real influence is the intangible, and that's the amateur success. We've yet to see Japanese amateurs really flourish on the international stage since Murata's 2012 Olympic gold medal, but it's expected that the 2020 Olympics will be a very successful one for Japan. It's assumed that Murata's amateur triumph may potentially have a similar effect to Amir Khan, who won an Olympic medal in 2004 and saw the UK team have a massive games in 2012. 
 
1-Joichiro Tatsuyoshi (20-7-1, 14) - A generational influence
Few fighters can match the influence that Joichiro Tatsuyoshi had to the current Japanese scene. "Joe" made his debut 8 months after the start of the Heisei era and fought through to 2009, albeit with some breaks in there. During his career he would be a 2-time WBC Bantamweight champion, and whilst he was fast tracked to a title his influence was less due to his title reigns and more his style, his personality and his charisma. His effect on Japanese boxing was inspiring a generation of fighters, helping to kick start the current era of Japanese boxing. Even now he is still insanely popular, and when he appears at ring, as a member of the crowd, the cameras regularly zoom in on him. Enigmatic, exciting and incredibly charismatic the Osakan is still a star, though had had to pay for his boxing with various issues now effecting him.

Today our American friends are celebrating thanksgiving and we've decided to join them in their celebrations by thanking the boxing world for a number of things that we've had the fortune of having this year. 

1-The rise of Kosei Tanaka
Japanese youngster Kosei Tanaka has been a sensation this year fighting 3 times against progressively better opponents, and better yet he has looked better every time he has stepped in to the ring. In March he went 8 rounds en route to defeating Ronelle Ferreras by wide decision, in July he showed off his power as he stopped Crison Omayao inside a round in a really eye opening result. The best however came at the end of October when he stopped Ryuji Hara in 10 rounds to claim the OPBF title and set up a sensational 2015 for the youngster.

Thank you Kosei for a fantastic year and for pushing yourself from the off!

2-Katsunari Takayama (vs Francisco Rodriguez Jr)
We love Katsunari Takayama, his mentality in regards to the sport is brilliant and he really should be a boxing fans fighter. He's one of the few fighters who appears to always want to fight the best, he seems to be willing to travel for tough bouts and win or lose he's willing to put on a show. We saw him do just that earlier this year when he tried to unify the IBF and WBO Minimumweight titles. For that Takayama had to travel to Mexico to take on Francisco Rodriguez Jr and although the Japanese fighter came up short he showed the heart, fire and spirit that continues to make up look forward to everyone of his bouts.

Thank you Katsunari for never disappointing us!

3-ALA Promotions
The Filipino promotional power house may not have been the best promoter this year but they've managed to lead the Filipino boxing scene once again. That, of course, has been built around their recognisable fighters such as Donnie Nietes but has also helped develop the likes of Albert Pagara, who looks sensational, Genesis Servania, who looks likely to become a world champion in 2015 and Mark Magsayo. The continued efforts of ALA have really helped keep the Philippines relevant and show there is more to Filipino boxing than just Nonito Donaire and Manny Pacquiao.

Thank you ALA for investing in and developing Filipino talent

4-Hideyuki Ohashi
Mr Ohashi, for those who aren't aware, is the man in charge of Ohashi boxing. That puts him in charge of some of the best talent in Japan, such as Naoya Inoue and Akira Yaegashi, and has helped create some of the best bouts and shows this year. They have included the bouts between Kosei Tanaka and Ryuji Hara for the OPBF Minimumweight title, Naoya Inoue and Adrian Hernandez for the WBC Light Flyweight title and Akira Yaegashi and Roman Gonzalez for the WBC Flyweight title. In terms of promotional power Ohashi is the second most powerful promoter in Japan, behind Teiken, though his match ups have seen him becoming a favourite of the fans both domestically and internationally and it seems the match making philosophy is set to continue into 2015 with several big bouts made to end this year.

Thank you Mr Ohashi for proving promoters can care for the fans of the sport

5-You!
You lovely people who come on to this site, help support us and help us develop what is quickly growing into much more than a hobby. When this site was started we never expected it to take off like it has done in the last year. Thankfully via the support of you guys who come and visit the site, share articles, send us e-mails and tweets and the such, you have helped this site to outgrow what we expected it would be. Hopefully you guys will still be checking out the site next year and hopefully we'll continue to grow as we have done this year. Fingers crossed that we will continue to break the news from the east, introduce new fighters to you guys and help you follow the happenings of the sport in a part of the world that all too often over-looked by western media.

Thank you everyone who visits, it really is appreciated!

(Images courtesy of Kosei Tanaka's blog and ALA Boxing)