Kyotaro Fujimoto

Kyotaro Fujimoto (藤本 京太郎 [ɸɯdʑimoto kʲoːtaɾoː], Fujimoto Kyōtarō, born June 23, 1986) is a Japanese former professional boxer who competed from 2011 to 2019 and a kickboxer. He began competing again as a professional kickboxer in 2021.

Kyotaro Fujimoto
Fujimoto in May 2018
Born (1986-06-23) June 23, 1986
Osaka, Japan
Native name藤本 京太郎
NationalityJapanese
Height183 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight102 kg (225 lb; 16 st 1 lb)
DivisionHeavyweight
Fighting out ofTokyo, Japan
TeamTeam Dragon (2006–2010)
Kadoebi Hoseki Gym[1] (2011–present)
TrainerKensaku Maeda (2006–2010)
Hiroyuki Abe[1] (2011–present)
Years active2006–2011, 2021-present (Kickboxing)
2011–2020 (Boxing)
Professional boxing record
Total23
Wins21
By knockout13
Losses2
By knockout2
Draws0
Kickboxing record
Total28
Wins21
By knockout11
Losses7
By knockout0
Other information
Boxing record from BoxRec
Last updated on: July 24, 2019

He is the former K-1 Heavyweight Champion and successfully defended the title against kickboxing legend Peter Aerts at K-1 World Grand Prix 2010 in Yokohama. He was also the K-1 World Grand Prix 2008 in Fukuoka tournament finalist and K-1 Young Japan GP 2007 champion.[2]

Early life

Fujimoto was born in Osaka, Japan on June 23, 1986. He started learning karate of Uomoto-ryū (魚本流) as a child. His parents divorced in 1997 and he lived with his mother, sisters and grandmother.

Kickboxing career

Kyotaro moved to Tokyo and joined Dragon Dojo established by Kensaku Maeda. He debuted on May 17, 2006 against Junichi Hanada.

Kyotaro entered the world of K-1 when he fought and won the K-1 Tryout 2007 Survival tournament in Tokyo by defeating Tatsunori Momose in the semi-final and Takumi Sato in the final, all by decision. This tournament was designed to showcase new talent. He then fought Kyoung Suk Kim during the opening fights at K-1 World Grand Prix 2007 in Seoul Final 16 defeating Kim by 2nd Round Knockout.

He further proved himself as a top K-1 contender by defeating the K-1 World Grand Prix 2004 in Las Vegas II and the K-1 World Grand Prix 2007 in Hawaii tournament champion Mighty Mo at K-1 World Grand Prix 2008 in Yokohama. Kyotaro was then invited to fight in the K-1 World GP 2008 in Fukuoka in which he became the runner up losing to Brazilian Karateka Ewerton Teixeira.

On March 28, 2009, Kyotaro won the K-1 Heavyweight (-100 kg) Title tournament by knocking out Melvin Manhoef in semifinals and beating Gokhan Saki in finals by extra round majority decision. Kyotaro became the second fighter after Badr Hari to win the title in K-1 Light Heavyweight division.[3]

On December 5, 2009, he faced Tyrone Spong at the K-1 World Grand Prix 2009 Final and lost by unanimous decision.

Kyotaro defended his title against 3 time K-1 Grand Prix Champion Peter Aerts at K-1 World Grand Prix 2010 in Yokohama. Kyotaro knocked Aerts down twice at the end of the 1st Round and then knocked him out with his right hook in the 2nd Round.

At the K-1 Final 16 Kyotaro defeated another legend in Jerome Le Banner. Kyotaro withstood the Frenchman's early power to give him a severe beating in the 3rd round to earn a draw. Le Banner was angry at the decision and walked out of the ring, giving Kyotaro the win by DQ.

His next fight was at the K-1 World Grand Prix 2010 Final against 4-time defending champion Semmy Schilt. He was unable to faze his taller opponent, losing by unanimous decision.

He then chose to fight the DREAM (MMA) Light-heavyweight champion Gegard Mousasi. He was knocked down in the second round and again lost by unanimous decision.

In October 2011, Kyotaro relinquished the K-1 Heavyweight title in order to pursue a career in professional boxing.[4]

Return to K-1

In late 2020, Kyotaro announced he would be returning to kickboxing and is expected to compete at K’Festa 4 on January 24, 2021.[5] He was scheduled to fight Kosuke Jitsutaka.[6] The event was later rescheduled for March 31, 2021.[7] He won his fight against Kosuke Jitsutaka by a second-round knockout.[8]

Kyotaro was scheduled to face the K-1 Cruiserweight champion Sina Karimian at K-1 World GP 2021: Yokohamatsuri on September 20, 2021.[9] Kyotaro lost the fight by split decision, after an extra round was fought.[10]

Kyotaro was scheduled to face the J-Network heavyweight champion Hidenori Sakamoto at K-1 World GP 2022 Japan on February 27, 2022.[11] Their fight was later postponed for K-1: K'Festa 5 on April 3, 2022, and was rescheduled as the quarterfinal bout of the 2022 K-1 openweight tournament.[12] He won the fight by a second-round technical knockout and advanced to the tournament semifinals, where he faced Hisaki Kato.[13] Sattari won the fight by majority decision, with scores of 29–29, 30–28 and 30–28.[14]

Kyotaro faced the unbeaten Satoshi Ishii in a super heavyweight bout at K-1 World GP 2023: K'Festa 6 on March 12, 2023.[15] He won the fight by unanimous decision, with two scorecards of 30–29 and one scorecard of 30–27.[16]

Boxing career

Kyotaro debuted as a pro boxer on December 31, 2011 when he took a unanimous decision win over Michael O'Donnell in Osaka, Japan. In September 2012, he defeated Chauncy Welliver by unanimous decision, who at the time was ranked #15 in the world by the WBC.

Kyotaro took Welliver's place in the WBC top 15 as a result of this win. Kyotaro lost his next fight against Solomon Haumono via TKO in the 5th round. The fight was held at Bodymaker Colosseum in Osaka on December 31, 2012. Kyotaro won his first major regional title against Willie Nasio for the vacant WBC - OPBF heavyweight title in 2017.

Kyotaro retired from professional boxing on November 12th, 2020, announcing plans to go into mixed martial arts.[17]

Kickboxing titles

  • Amateur
    • 18th All Japan Shin-Karate Championships(K-2 GRAND PRIX) Heavyweight(+75 kg) tournament winner (May 3, 2007)[18]
  • Professional
    • 2009-2011 K-1 Heavyweight (-100 kg) Champion (1 def.)
    • 2009 K-1 Heavyweight (-100 kg) Tournament Champion
    • 2008 K-1 Japan GP in Fukuoka Runner-up
    • 2007 K-1 Tryouts Young Japan GP champion

Boxing titles

  • Japanese heavyweight title (224½Ibs)
  • WBC - OPBF heavyweight title (227¼Ibs)
  • WBO Asia Pacific heavyweight title (228½Ibs)

Awards

  • 18th All Japan Shin-Karate Championship Gaora Award

Ring names

  • Kyōtarō Ranger (狂太郎レンジャー / May 2006 - August 2007)
  • Kyōtarō Ranger (強太郎レンジャー / August 2007 - January 2008)
  • Maeda Keijirō (前田 慶次郎 / January 2008 - August 2009) a.k.a. Keijiro Maeda
  • Kyōtarō (京太郎 / August 2009 – December 2010)
  • Kyotaro Fujimoto (藤本 京太郎 / December 2011–Present)

Kickboxing record

Professional kickboxing record
21 Wins (11 (T) KO's, 8 decisions, 1 dq), 7 Losses
DateResultOpponentEventLocationMethodRoundTimeRecord
2023-03-12WinCroatia Satoshi IshiiK-1 World GP 2023: K'Festa 6Tokyo, JapanDecision (Unanimous)33:0021-7
2022-04-03LossIran Mahmoud SattariK-1: K'Festa 5, Tournament SemifinalsTokyo, JapanDecision (Majority)33:0020–7
2022-04-03WinJapan Hidenori SakamotoK-1: K'Festa 5, Tournament QuarterfinalsTokyo, JapanTKO (Referee stoppage)22:1120–6
2021-09-20LossIran Sina KarimianK-1 World GP 2021: YokohamatsuriYokohama, JapanExt. R. Decision (Split)43:0019–6
2021-03-28WinJapan Kosuke JitsutakaK’Festa 4Tokyo, JapanKO (Overhand Right)20:2919–5
2010-12-31LossNetherlands Gegard MousasiDynamite!! 2010Saitama, JapanDecision (Unanimous)33:0018–5
2010-12-11LossNetherlands Semmy SchiltK-1 World Grand Prix 2010 Final, Semi FinalsTokyo, JapanDecision (Unanimous)33:0018–4
2010-10-02WinFrance Jérôme Le BannerK-1 World Grand Prix 2010 in Seoul Final 16Seoul, South KoreaForfeit4N/A18–3
2010-04-03WinNetherlands Peter AertsK-1 World Grand Prix 2010 in YokohamaYokohama, JapanKO (Right hook)21:5617–3
Fight for K-1 Heavyweight (-100kg) title.
2009-12-05LossSuriname Tyrone SpongK-1 World Grand Prix 2009 FinalYokohama, JapanDecision (Unanimous)33:0016–3
2009-09-26LossRussia Ruslan KaraevK-1 World Grand Prix 2009 Final 16Seoul, Republic of KoreaDecision (Unanimous)33:0016–2
2009-08-11WinCzech Republic Jan SoukupK-1 World Grand Prix 2009 in Tokyo Final 16 Qualifying GPTokyo, JapanKO (Right hook)31:2016–1
2009-03-28WinTurkey Gökhan SakiK-1 World GP 2009 in YokohamaYokohama, JapanExt R. Decision (Majority)43:0015–1
Wins K-1 Heavyweight (-100kg) title.
2009-03-28WinNetherlands Melvin ManhoefK-1 World GP 2009 in YokohamaYokohama, JapanKO (Right hook)12:0214–1
2008-09-27WinSouth Korea Min Ho SongK-1 World GP 2008 Final 16Seoul, KoreaKO (Punches)31:4313–1
2008-06-29LossBrazil Ewerton TeixeiraK-1 World GP 2008 in Fukuoka FinalFukuoka, JapanDecision (Unanimous)33:0012–1
Fight was for K-1 World GP 2008 in Fukuoka title.
2008-06-29WinJapan Takumi SatoK-1 World GP 2008 in FukuokaFukuoka, Japan Semi-finalDecision (Unanimous)33:0012–0
2008-06-29WinJapan MusashiK-1 World GP 2008 in Fukuoka Quarter-finalFukuoka, JapanDecision (Unanimous)33:0011–0
2008-04-13WinAmerican Samoa Mighty MoK-1 World Grand Prix 2008 in YokohamaYokohama, JapanExt R. Decision43:0010–0
2007-12-22WinJapan Tsuyoshi NakasakoAJKF "Enter the Dragon The 1st"JapanKO22:079–0
2007-09-29WinSouth Korea Kyoung Suk KimK-1 World Grand Prix 2007 in Seoul Final 16Seoul, KoreaKO22:148–0
2007-08-16WinJapan Takumi SatoK-1 Tryout 2007 Survival K-1 Young Japan GP FinalTokyo, JapanExt.R Decision (Unanimous)43:007–0
Wins K-1 Tryout 2007 Survival title.
2007-08-16WinJapan Tatsunori MomoseK-1 Tryout 2007 Survival K-1 Young Japan GP Semi-finalTokyo, JapanDecision (Unanimous)33:006–0
2007-06-03WinJapan Ryo TakigawaJ-Network "Team Dragon Quest 1"Bunkyo, Tokyo, JapanDecision (Unanimous)33:005–0
2007-01-12WinJapan Tank SugimuraMAJKF "Shidokan Spring New Year Event Breakdown-1"Bunkyo, Tokyo, JapanKO (Punches)21:424–0
2006-11-05WinThailand Turbo WeerasakreckM-1 "M-1 Fairtex Shingha Beer Muay Thai Challenge
-Thai King's Enthronement 60th Anniversary Cup 2006-"
Kōtō, Tokyo, JapanTKO (Right low kick)42:133–0
2006-09-01WinJapan Toshi Saenchai GymJ-Network "Mach! Go! Go! '06 -Flyweight Strongest Decision Tournament 1st Match-Bunkyo, Tokyo, JapanDecision (Unanimous)33:002–0
2006-05-17WinJapan Junichi HanadaJ-Network "Go! Go! J-Net '06 -Invading the Dragon-Bunkyo, Tokyo, JapanKO21:161–0
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes
Amateur kickboxing record
DateResultOpponentEventLocationMethodRoundTime
2007-05-03WinJapan Jun'ichi Kikuchi18th K-2 GRAND PRIX Heavyweight tournament FinalAdachi, Tokyo, JapanIppon (Awasete)1N/A
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

Professional boxing record

23 fights 21 wins 2 losses
By knockout 13 2
By decision 8 0
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
23 Loss 21–2 United Kingdom Daniel Dubois KO 2 (12), 2:10 21 Dec 2019 United Kingdom Copper Box Arena, London, England For WBO International, and vacant WBC Silver heavyweight titles
22 Win 21–1 Thailand Suthat Kalalek TKO 6 (8), 2:08 21 Oct 2019 Japan Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan
21 Win 20–1 Thailand Suthat Kalalek RTD 6 (12), 3:00 25 Sep 2018 Japan Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan Retained OPBF and WBO Asia Pacific heavyweight titles
20 Win 19–1 Australia Aaron Russell TKO 7 (12), 0:28 7 May 2018 Japan Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan Retained OPBF and WBO Asia Pacific heavyweight titles
19 Win 18–1 Australia Randall Rayment KO 5 (12), 2:50 4 Nov 2017 Japan Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan Retained OPBF and WBO Asia Pacific heavyweight titles
18 Win 17–1 Samoa Herman Ene Purcell TKO 9 (12), 1:22 9 May 2017 Japan Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan Retained OPBF Heavyweight title
Won vacant WBO Asia Pacific heavyweight title
17 Win 16–1 Australia Willie Nasio UD 12 14 Jan 2017 Japan Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan Won vacant OPBF heavyweight title
16 Win 15–1 Australia Adam Lovelock TKO 2 (8), 2:13 2 Aug 2016 Japan Shinjuku FACE, Tokyo, Japan
15 Win 14–1 Australia Nathan McKay UD 8 2 Aug 2016 Japan Ota City General Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan
14 Win 13–1 Mexico David Torres Garcia KO 3 (8), 1:05 21 Oct 2015 Japan Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan
13 Win 12–1 Japan Nobuhiro Ishida SD 10 30 Apr 2015 Japan Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan Retained Japanese heavyweight title
12 Win 11–1 France David Radeff UD 8 18 Dec 2014 Japan Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan
11 Win 10–1 Japan Kotatsu Takehara TKO 5 (10), 0:44 10 Sep 2014 Japan Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan Retained Japanese heavyweight title
10 Win 9–1 Japan Nobuhiro Ishida UD 8 30 Apr 2014 Japan Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan
9 Win 8–1 Japan Kotatsu Takehara UD 8 25 Nov 2013 Japan Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan Retained Japanese heavyweight title
8 Win 7–1 Uganda Okello Peter TKO 6 (10), 2:59 23 Jul 2013 Japan Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan Won vacant Japanese heavyweight title
7 Win 6–1 France Fabrice Aurieng TKO 7 (8), 1:11 17 Apr 2013 Japan Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan
6 Loss 5–1 Australia Solomon Haumono TKO 5 (12), 0:57 31 Dec 2012 Japan Bodymaker Colosseum, Osaka, Japan For vacant OPBF heavyweight title
5 Win 5–0 New Zealand Chauncy Welliver UD 10 19 Sep 2012 Japan Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan
4 Win 4–0 New Zealand Clarence Tillman KO 3 (8), 0:47 20 Jun 2012 Japan Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, Osaka, Japan
3 Win 3–0 New Zealand Afa Tatupu TKO 2 (6), 0:47 17 May 2012 Japan Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan
2 Win 2–0 South Korea Jae-Chan Kim TKO 2 (6), 1:03 6 Mar 2012 Japan Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Tokyo
1 Win 1–0 Australia Michael O'Donnell UD 6 31 Dec 2011 Japan Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, Osaka, Japan

References

  1. "藤本 京太郎選手プロフィール|角海老宝石ボクシングジム". kadoebi.com.
  2. Monty DiPietro. "Teixeira takes K-1 Japan GP; Schilt and Hari Also Win in Fukuoka". k-1.co.jp. Archived from the original on 2007-08-15. Retrieved 2008-08-05.
  3. "Maeda Takes K-1 Heavyweight Belt; Bonjasky Beats Overeem". K-1 Grand Prix Website. Archived from the original on 2007-10-11. Retrieved 2009-03-28.
  4. Kyotaro Relinquishes K-1 Heavyweight Championship to Move Into Boxing
  5. "Kyotaro to return to K-1 in January". asianboxing.info. November 17, 2020.
  6. "【K-1】京太郎のK-1復帰第一戦の相手はBigbangヘビー級王者・実方宏介「パンチだけで行く」(京太郎」「蹴り倒す」(実方)". news.yahoo.co.jp. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  7. "【K-1】K'FESTA.4が2週連続開催に、武尊vsレオナは日本武道館で=3.21,3.28". efight.jp. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  8. "【K-1】京太郎がヘビー級ボクシングの爆速パンチでKO勝利、相手は起き上がれず". news.yahoo.co.jp. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  9. "【K-1】京太郎がクルーザー級王者シナ・カリミアンとノンタイトル戦、おちょくりTシャツで登場も「訳さないで」". gonkaku.jp. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  10. "【K―1】初の減量に苦戦? 京太郎がまさかの黒星「体を作ってこれなかった」". excite.co.jp. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  11. "京太郎、J-NETWORKヘビー級王者とK-1で対戦「石井選手かなって思ってきたら違う選手だった」". hochi.news. 27 December 2021. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
  12. "【K-1】石井慧、京太郎、サッタリら出場の無差別級トーナメント初開催=K-1生誕の地・代々木で". gonkaku.jp. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  13. "【K-1】京太郎が貫録の1回戦突破、最重量の坂本英則をKO". news.yahoo.co.jp. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
  14. "【K1】優勝候補京太郎散る ムエタイ戦士サッタリ判定勝ちで決勝進出 体重19キロ差はね返す". nikkansports.com. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
  15. "石井慧vs京太郎が決定 3・12 K-1の祭典で 石井は「区切りの試合」". news.yahoo.co.jp. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
  16. "【K―1】石井慧は京太郎に判定負け 青木真也は「塩」". news.yahoo.co.jp. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  17. "Kyotaro Fujimoto retires from professional boxing". asianboxing.info. November 12, 2020.
  18. "Shinkarate" 17 years old boys win at two weight divisions! Fighters from Dragon Dojo(Team Dragon) win at two weight divisions 【新空手】17歳が二階級で優勝!龍道場(チームドラゴン)は二階級制覇
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