Satoshi Shingaki
When we talk about fighters who attempt to change things few Japanese fighters can match the renegade-like Satoshi Shingaki (11-3-1, 8). A man who may not be well remembered in the west though was a fighter who fought for his chance to be a world champion, despite the fact he had several road blocks in his way.
Born in 1964 in Okinawa Shingaki's talent was obvious as a teenager. By the early 1980's he had already claimed a National Scholastic title (1981) and had run up an excellent record of 25-3 (17), a record that helped him demand big money ahead of a professional career.
It was in 1982, whilst still just a teen, that Shingaki would begin his professional career by stopping Hiroyuki Aikata in the second round. Although he scored a stoppage victory it was fair to say that Aikata wasn't the best test and had been stopped in his 3 previous losses.
Having made his debut in October 1982 Shingaki would have a busy 1983 with 4 fights in as many months. Those fights saw him extending his record to 4-0-1 (3) with the only set back coming via a 10 round draw to the experienced Yong-Hyun Kim, who had previously challenged Yoko Gushiken for the WBA Light Flyweight world title.
Although Shingaki's record had been marked with the draw his talent was obvious, though so too was his impatience. He had felt he deserved a WBA title fight though the WBA was allowing a third (and later fourth) fight between Lupe Madera and Katsuo Tokashiki. This fact seemed to irk Satoshi who instead of waiting for the situation to sort it's self out seemed to look for other options to become a world champion.
Born in 1964 in Okinawa Shingaki's talent was obvious as a teenager. By the early 1980's he had already claimed a National Scholastic title (1981) and had run up an excellent record of 25-3 (17), a record that helped him demand big money ahead of a professional career.
It was in 1982, whilst still just a teen, that Shingaki would begin his professional career by stopping Hiroyuki Aikata in the second round. Although he scored a stoppage victory it was fair to say that Aikata wasn't the best test and had been stopped in his 3 previous losses.
Having made his debut in October 1982 Shingaki would have a busy 1983 with 4 fights in as many months. Those fights saw him extending his record to 4-0-1 (3) with the only set back coming via a 10 round draw to the experienced Yong-Hyun Kim, who had previously challenged Yoko Gushiken for the WBA Light Flyweight world title.
Although Shingaki's record had been marked with the draw his talent was obvious, though so too was his impatience. He had felt he deserved a WBA title fight though the WBA was allowing a third (and later fourth) fight between Lupe Madera and Katsuo Tokashiki. This fact seemed to irk Satoshi who instead of waiting for the situation to sort it's self out seemed to look for other options to become a world champion.
With the WBC title then being held by Jung-Koo Chang it was fair to say that options in the Light Flyweight division were limited. Instead of waiting however Shingaki took the unconventional route and faced Dodie Boy Penalosa, the then OPBF champion, in a bout for the inaugural IBF Light Flyweight title. This bout, although fought in Japan, was unsanctioned by the Japanese Boxing Commission (JBC) who refused to recognise the IBF.
Fortunately for the JBC the inexperienced Shingaki came up short against Penalosa who managed to stop Shingaki in the 12th round of a scheduled 15 rounder. Unfortunately for the inexperienced Shingaki his lack of experience and severe weight-loss saw him struggling with the later rounds. After tiring later in the bout Shingaki became a target for Penalosa's shots which eventually forced the referees hand. Sadly following this loss Shingaki was taken to hospital feeling the ill effects of extreme weight loss, making a move up the weight classes necessary. Having come up short in his first world title contest Shingaki would allow his body to fill out properly before returning to the ring. He moved quickly from the Light Flyweight division to the Bantamweight division and it was at the 118lb division that he looked a comfortable fighter. Just months after the loss to Penalosa fans saw Shingaki back in action as he defeated Filipino Rolando Navarro. By now Shingaki was looking like a man rather than a starved child. Shingaki, keeping his association with the IBF, would then fight in his second world title fight as he battled Filipino Elmer Magallano for the IBF Bantamweight title. unfortunately the limitations of Magallano were obvious for all to see and Shingaki defeated him with complete ease to claim the title. Unfortunately the IBF's reputation took a huge hit from this contest with the general feeling be that it wasn't a "world level" match up and that Magallano had no right competing for a "world title". Despite those complaints the victory did see Shingaki becoming the first ever IBF champion from Japan. Following his title victory Shingaki would next fight in a non-title contest as he defeated Fel Aporto by KO. In his first defense Shingaki would face Joves De La Puz, who boxrec have listed as making his debut, and Shingaki would be pushed hard. After a slow start, struggling somewhat over the first 5 rounds, Shingaki took over between rounds 6 and 10 before taking his foot off the gas in the final 5 rounds. Due to the fact Shingaki took so many of the later rounds off he did struggle over the finishing line taking only a split decision to retain his title. Sadly Shingaki's defense over De La Puz was the sole successful defense that Shingaki would make and in 1985 he ran in to the destructive Australian Jeff Fenech. Fenech, entering 6-0 (6), was simply too much for Shingaki and battered him from the first round. Shingaki tried to fight back but was out fought, out hit and showed only his bravery in what was a real beat down before being stopped in the ninth. A rematch with Fenech saw Shingaki having equally poor success as he was cut in then retired as he attempted to reclaim his old title. It was clear that Fenech was just a much, much better fighter than Shingaki. Although having suffered back-to-back losses to Fenech, Shingaki continued with his career and scored a stoppage victory over former world title challenger Shinobu Kawashima. It appeared that the stoppage over Kawashima would be the final contest for Shingaki who suffered some serious medical issues after the contest. Amazingly however Shingaki, always a man who refused to take no for answer, returned to action almost 4 years later as he defeated Daniel Quililan. Some 5 months after the victory over Quililan, Shingaki returned for what would be his final contest. Fighting for the IBF Inter-Continental Super Flyweight title Shingaki would claim a 12 round decision over Romeo Opriasa. This victory saw Shingaki becoming the inaugural IBF Inter-Continental Super Flyweight champion. Since retiring in 1990 Shingaki has done some commentary work for Okinawa TV and it appears that his title reign is going to finally be accepted by the JBC. The key however for Shingaki's legacy is that he was the fore-bearer to what the JBC is now doing with the organisation now allowing IBF and WBO world title fights in Japan. It's a shame however that Shingaki is one of just three Japanese fighters to have ever claimed an IBF title alongside Katsunari Takayama and Daiki Kameda. The video below, courtesy of Adam Auld shows Shingaki's second fight with Fenech. |
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