Photos by Naoki Fukuda
Japanese Hall of Famer Joe Koizumi (a fight reporter, television commentator and international matchmaker/coordinator) has another talent in Chinese calligraphy and India-ink drawing, as some people have already known well.
Joe, 72, successfully held a one-man show of his artwork for a week from last Thursday at Bashamichi Otsu gallery in Yokohama, Japan. Many boxing fans and calligraphy aficionados visited the gallery to watch Joe’s calligraphy works and drawings and chat with him for awhile.
Joe’s dreams are as follows: (1) Joe, who started reporting at the age of seventeen, hopes to keep writing fight reports for thirty more years over 100 years of age (he believes he can), (2) he, who makes it a rule to swim 300 times a year, wishes to participate in an oldtimer’s swimming event over 100 years old, and (3) he dreams to hold his art exhibition in China, the mecca of calligraphy and India-ink drawing.
Live long and good luck, Joe.
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I used to read Joe’s fight reports in the magazines about all the action in Asia. At least now with social media we can get to see the fights as well.
Anyone who followed boxing in the ’80s knows Mr. Koizumi’s work from Ring magazine. It’s great that Joe is still reporting after all these years and I’m grateful it’s available on Fightnews. Thanks for everything, Joe, and my compliments for your excellent calligraphic work as well.
Excellent commentator, have enjoyed his work for many years. I didn’t know he was an artist as well. Best wishes for success.
Nice work Joe!
Beautiful work, Mr. Koizumi! Legendary fight commentator and reporter! I didn’t know you were a talented artist as well!