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01/28/2005 Archived Entry: "Fighting Harada hospitalized"
Fighting Harada hospitalized
By Joe Koizumi
Masahiko "Fighting" Harada withstood devastating shots of previously unbeaten Eder Jofre and retaliated with his trade-mark piston-like combinations to win the world bantamweight throne in 1965. He then looked like a fighting machine with his incredible durability and tremendous stamina. Harada, now the president of Japan Professional Boxing Association (JPBA) which is the union consisting of all the licensed managers here, was hospitalized due to a slight brain hemorrhage since last Sunday.
While driving a car, Harada realized he drove down the road in a zigzag line. He abruptly felt uneasy and dizzy, so went to a hospital for a medical checkup. The doctor diagnosed his uneasiness as a cerebral hemorrhage and promptly had him hospitalized for treatement. Fortunately he hasn't suffered any physical paralysis but slurred his words a little. Harada will be in hospital for a month or so, but the doctor says he will soundly make a comeback.
The 61-year-old Japanese legend, who won the world flyweight belt by an impressive eleventh round knockout over Pone Kingpetch at the age of 19 in 1962, is currently the owner of Fighting Harada Gym, having cultivated some national champs and serving regularly as commentator for Nippon TV. Akihiko Honda of Teiken Promotions, the most influential promoter in Japan, will serve as deputy president of the JPBA for the time being.
