In boxing, unlike most other sports, Russians have the opportunity to compete with foreigners, but each such fight takes place in spite of the sanctions. Our boxers are excluded from various ratings, they are deprived of the flag and anthem, they are not allowed to some tournaments.

At the same time, not everyone abroad agrees with this state of affairs. The act of the heavyweight from Japan not only surprised, but also won the support of fans.

Olympic champion

Fighter Satoshi Ishii is a man with a rich biography. In 2008, he won the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics. The Japanese became the champion in judo in the weight category over 100 kg. But at the peak of his career, he suddenly decided to radically change his role. Satoshi moved to MMA, where he also boasts a rich track record.

Despite the lack of high-profile titles in mixed martial arts, Ishii fought many top fighters. In 2011, he received a “New Year’s gift” from Fedor Emelianenko. The last emperor knocked out the Olympic champion in the first round. The Japanese also met with Jeff Monson in St. Petersburg, where he defeated the future Russian. Twice Ishii confronted Mirko Filipovic, nicknamed Cro Cop, but lost both times.

Photo: © M-1 GLOBAL

Satoshi became famous for his very extravagant deeds. So, in 2011, he unexpectedly returned to judo and even tried to qualify for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro as part of the … USA team. And in 2019, he unexpectedly received Croatian citizenship, renouncing Japanese. Since then, he has been fighting with the Croatian flag.

“Good luck from Russia”

Recently, 36-year-old Ishii has switched to boxing. He first entered the boxing ring in August last year and won against the Japanese Shiho Takayama. The second fight Satoshi held on January 6 against the Korean Jang Soo Han. Before this fight, the athlete shared on social networks photos from the weigh-in procedure.

In one of the pictures, Ishii appeared in an unexpected T-shirt. The inscription “Russian Knight” flaunted in large letters on the entire chest, and just below it was written “Alexander Povetkin”. The athlete’s tights were decorated with a double-headed eagle from the coat of arms of Russia.

Photo: © Personal archive of Satoshi Ishii

Clothing with Russian symbols delighted the athlete’s subscribers. Audiences from Russia and other countries admired the choice.

“I could not wear a T-shirt, and it’s so clear that Russian,” wrote the user alekseialekseewbryansk.

– A real Russian Knight. Fire! — admired psyhodoc.

– You have a very cool t-shirt! Good luck from Russia,” approved user izoriyaaa.

In fact, Satoshi’s choice is easily explained. According to the Croatian publication CroRing, Ishii trains at the Moscow Bupas Gym with Belarusian coach Andrey Ivichuk, who trains with many eminent athletes from boxing and mixed martial arts.

But the training of the famous coach did not help Satoshi win: the duel against the Korean ended in a draw. Only one referee gave the minimum victory to the Olympic champion. The other two saw a draw.