Born October 21, 1949 in Tokyo, Japan. Ohba turned pro in 1966 in Japan and compiled a 25-2-1 record before winning the WBA flyweight championship in 1970 with a 13th round stoppage of Thailand’s Berkrerk Chartvanchai.
He successfully defended the title five times over the next three years including wins over tough Venezuelan Betulio Gonzalez (W 15), Fernando Cabanela (W 15), Susumu Hanagata (W 15) and Orlando Amores (KO 5). In his lone bout outside of his native country, Ohba traveled to the United States to gain worldwide exposure and stopped Rocky Garcia via 9th round TKO in San Antonio, TX. Ohba’s last bout was a successful title defense over Thailand’s Chartchai Chionoi (KO 12) on January 2, 1973. Three weeks later, on January 24th, the young champion died from injuries suffered in an automobile accident on the Tokyo Metropolitan Express. Only 23 at the time of his passing, Ohba’s death made national headlines and to this day the boxer is revered throughout Japan.
Standing 5’6”, Ohba was an unusually tall flyweight who utilized a strong jab, effective counter punching and quick combinations to great success while compiling a 35-2-1 (16 KOs) professional record.
Born: Oct. 21, 1949
Died: Jan. 24, 1973
Bouts: 38
Won: 35
Lost: 2
Draw: 1
KOs: 16
Induction: 2015
Masao Ohba
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