Former boxing world champion Gattsu Ishimatsu dies aged 76
The former professional boxing world champion known for his distinctive one-two punch combination has passed away from pneumonia at a Tokyo hospital.
Former professional boxing world champion Gattsu Ishimatsu has died at the age of 76, NHK News Japan reported on 11 June 2026. The broadcaster confirmed that Ishimatsu passed away from pneumonia at a hospital in Tokyo on 2 June 2026.
Ishimatsu was a prominent figure in the sport, widely recognised for his distinctive fighting style and a powerful one-two punch combination that earned him the nickname the "phantom right". The Japanese term for this signature move is maboroshi no migi.
The announcement marks the end of a career defined by his technical prowess in the ring. While the source material confirms the details of his passing, age, and cause of death, no further information regarding his medical history or the specific circumstances of his pneumonia was provided in the report.
NHK News Japan served as the primary source for this announcement. The report stands as a single confirmation from Japan’s public broadcaster, with no independent verification or additional commentary from boxing authorities or family members included in the available material.
The death of Ishimatsu concludes the life of a champion whose legacy was built on his unique offensive capabilities. The details provided by NHK establish the factual record of his passing, though claims regarding his broader impact on the sport remain outside the scope of the current reporting.
