'36-Game Winning Streak' Japanese Legend Inflicts 'Only Defeat' on Korean Icon: "Life Was in Danger... Severe Alcohol Addiction" Shocking Update

*This content was translated by AI.

's story has been revealed: a fighting legend who teetered on the brink of life and death while battling a terrible alcohol dependency. Ioka Hiroki (57), a two-division champion who enjoyed a brilliant prime, has declared he will never drink alcohol again.

The Japanese media outlet 'Asahi Shimbun' reported on the 21st that "Ioka has been battling severe alcohol dependency for several years. In fact, last year, his life was once in critical condition."

According to the report, Ioka is scheduled to take the stage at a live event in Fukuoka City on the 23rd to personally declare his abstinence from alcohol.

Ioka has been a living legend of Japanese boxing since making his professional debut in 1986. He captured the WBC strawweight world title in 1987, becoming the youngest Japanese champion at 18 years and 9 months, and went on to claim the WBA junior flyweight championship in 1991, achieving a double crown across two weight classes and leaving behind a brilliant career. His professional record stands at 42 fights, 33 wins (17 by knockout), 8 losses, and 1 draw.

Especially among domestic boxing fans, Ioka is renowned as the fighter who inflicted the only defeat on the legendary Myung Woo-woo, who holds the record for the most title defenses in Korean boxing history. After a remarkable run of 36 consecutive wins and 17 successful defenses following his professional debut, Myung Woo-woo lost by decision to Ioka in the 18th defense of the WBA junior flyweight title in 1991, surrendering the belt. A year later, Myung Woo-woo avenged the loss against Ioka in a rematch, reclaimed the title, and retired with honor.

Although he was a brilliant champion, his post-retirement life was miserable. Ioka reportedly rarely drank alcohol during his playing days, but after leaving the ring in December 1998, he was known to drink almost every day.

His health deteriorated uncontrollably due to a drinking habit of consuming more than 10 shots of soju daily. According to the 'Asahi Shimbun', Ioka reached the level of downing three bottles of soju in a single shot, and ultimately was diagnosed with alcohol dependency three years ago, leading to repeated hospitalizations and discharges.

The health decline was fatal. Last autumn, Ioka suffered from bloody stool in the bathroom and was urgently transported by ambulance, undergoing endoscopic surgery. At the time, his attending physician warned his wife that he might not survive, as his life was in critical condition. Fortunately, after overcoming the crisis and completing his fourth round of hospital treatment, Ioka was finally able to be discharged in February this year.

Leaving behind all the controversies of his illness, Ioka is preparing for a somewhat unusual alcohol abstinence declaration with his wife. He is scheduled to perform a song with somewhat unique lyrics on a live stage, such as "I no longer need alcohol that cuts into my life" and "If I drink again next time, I will die."

Through the 'Asahi Shimbun', Ioka said, "I want to sing this song with many people who, like me, are suffering from alcohol dependency," and added, "I hope this song can become a pillar of support that sustains their will to quit drinking."

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*This content was translated by AI.