*This content was translated by AI.
Miyu Yamamoto (51), a three-time wrestling world champion, will enter the professional boxing ring at the age of 50. The opponent is a player in his 20s who is 9 centimeters taller than himself.
"Former wrestling world champion and former MMA fighter Yamamoto will make his professional boxing debut at a neutral corner promotion-hosted competition at Arena Sports Club in Sydney, Australia on March 28," local media, including Japanese martial arts media "E-Fight," reported on the 19th.
The match will be held in a two-minute, six-round format with a 51.0kg contract weight. The opponent was picked as Michelle Mack (Australia). Mack made his professional debut in 2023 and has one win, one draw and one loss. In particular, he is 165 centimeters tall, 9 centimeters taller than Yamamoto, who is 156 centimeters tall.
Yamamoto is a living legend of Japanese women's wrestling. In 1991, 1994, and 1995, he won the World Championships and won the second weight class. After leaving the mat due to marriage and childbirth, he challenged MMA at the age of 42 in 2016 and posted 6 wins and 8 losses in 14 games. He retired on December 31, 2023, after playing RIZIN champions Izawa Seika, but announced a surprise return at the age of 51.
The passion for boxing is genuine. Yamamoto has been honing his batting at the gym of former boxing world champion Nobuaki Hiranaka after losing his MMA debut, according to local media. Recently, Yamamoto Asen, the eldest son, is reportedly helping his mother to challenge her.
Yamamoto said in an interview with "E-Fight" and others, "I've loved boxing since I was a wrestling player, and I've practiced with the belief that I'll definitely have a boxing match someday."
"At first, I thought I had no regrets if I could play at least one game, but now that the game has been decided, I have changed my mind. I'm just determined to win, he said. "I'm still on the floor, so I can go up further. I hope my challenge will be the strength to take another step for someone," he said.
The Japanese archipelago is also being shaken by the legend's return to the ring at the age of 51.
More than 1,000 comments of support and concern were posted on "Yahoo Japan." Former MMA fighter Megumi Fujii responded, "It's amazing, but I thought I would do it if it was Miyu," and one fan said, "I was a world champion when I was in my 40s when I was a middle school student. I respect how he doesn't set his own limits," he said.
On the other hand, there are many voices of concern. In particular, it is pointed out that age restrictions are necessary due to the nature of boxing, which has a high risk of brain damage. "Unlike the heavyweight class, speed and physical strength are important for the lightweight class, but 51 years old is too disadvantageous," he said. "Punch-drunk symptoms should not be taken lightly. Passion is good, but the old player's debut in professional boxing should be cautious," he criticized.
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*This content was translated by AI.
