Eiji Yoshikawa, also known by the title of "The Compassionate Pugilist," is a Japanese boxer, coach, author, documentarian and peace educator.[1]
Eiji Yoshikawa |
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Life
editYoshikawa was born in Japan in Shikoku, growing up in a Buddhist temple with his grandfather who was a monk.[2] He attended university in Tokyo for French literature, and began training in boxing around the same time. In 1984, he set out for New York to learn English at Columbia SPS.[1]
He has taught world champions such as Manny Pacquiao,[3] and will teach anyone willing to learn from him, firmly believing in boxing as a form of self improvement.[2] Yoshikawa continues to teach through the sport of boxing "as a way to teach young people about peace and the importance of following their dreams," giving lectures and lessons for all ages[4] through an estimated 800 speeches in schools across the world.[1]
Charity
editYoshikawa has performed charity work such as aiding in the rescue and recovery efforts of the September 11 attacks,[1] funding the purchase of tricycle taxis, donating fight proceeds to the Philippines, buying Christmas gifts for families who cannot afford them,[5] and teaching seniors how to box in the "Outfight Parkinson" program.[2]
135-pound Yoshikawa has notably fought the Canadian welterweight champion Robert Couzens despite the weight and height difference between them. Couzens described him as a "very determined, kind person".[6]
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Eiji Yoshikawa's Epic Journey from American Language Program Student to Peacemaking Pugilist". Columbia SPS. 15 September 2020. Archived from the original on 6 July 2024. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
- ^ a b c Fong, Lindsay (19 April 2021). "Meet Eiji Yoshikawa, who is keeping up the good fight!". Nikkei Seniors Health Care & Housing Society. Archived from the original on 6 July 2024. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
- ^ Palatino, Mong (12 April 2015). "Japan's 'Compassionate Pugilist' Gives Training and Hope to Poor Filipino Boxers". Global Voices. Archived from the original on 6 July 2024. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
- ^ "'Ageless Eiji' Takes on Pro Boxers and World Peace". Radio World. 5 April 2011. Archived from the original on 6 July 2024. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
- ^ "Local Boxer Fighting For More Than Himself". Philippine Asian News Today. 14 November 2019. Archived from the original on 6 July 2024. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
- ^ Olson, Dan (9 July 2019). "Burnaby boxer takes on fighter 31-years younger. Wait, what?". Burnaby Now. Archived from the original on 6 July 2024. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
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