Esteban DeJesus vs. Shinji 'Buzzsaw' Yamabe ~ February 12, 1977

[Bill Paxtom]

Shinji 'Buzzsaw' Yamabe

A 'power-pack' 5' 3" southpaw. The Buzzsaw-style, was a non-stop aggressive action,
by moving forward and staying on the offensive.

What 'Buzzsaw' lacked in size and skills, he made up for it with heart, stamina and desire.

That style made him a fan-favorite wherever he fought.

Though born in Japan, 'Buzzsaw' Yamabe campaigned in Hawaii.

He was managed and trained by the legendary > Larry Ichinose

Early in his career > 'Buzzsaw' also had a 5-Month stint at the Olympic Auditorium in 1972 >
from March 9th -thru- August 31st, where he went unbeaten in '6-Bouts' at { 4-0-2 }.

A Professional for 6-Years {since June 22, 1971}, Yamabe had big wins over World Class fighters in >
* Miguel Mayan
* Jorge Rodriguez
* Mario Roman
* Masataka Takayama {For the Japanese Lightweight Championship on July 2, 1973}
* Lino Cordero

Yamabe was 'upset' on February 18, 1974 > when he was stopped {L KO 9} by previous foe
Masataka Takayama, as he lost his Japanese Lightweight Championship.

On July 2, 1974 > Yamabe lost a tough {L Dec 10} to 'World-Rated' - Ray Lunny 'III" in his
hometown of San Francisco > a Decision which was disputed.

Yamabe did bounce back, and went undefeated at 7-0-0 with {5 KO's} for the next year
October 1, 1974 -thru- September 21, 1975.

Included, 'Buzzsaw' had scored a big win {W Dec 10} over 'highly-touted' Javier Muniz on
August 6, 1975 at the Olympic Auditorium.

Though his wins were at 135 lbs. in the Lightweight Division, Yamabe decided to drop to
130 lbs. and campaign as a Super-Featherweight.

'Buzzsaw' was offered a 130 lb. World Title bout with Alfredo Escalera for the WBA Super-Featherweight
Championship on April 1, 1976.

In a 'controversial bout' in Japan, 'Buzzsaw' suffered a badly swollen left-eye, courtesy of a wicked
right-hook by the Champion in Round 3. But Yamabe came back to have a very good 4th and 5th
Rounds, and was coming on strong, before an 'over-cautious' Referee called a halt to the bout in
Round 6, awarding a TKO 6 win for the 'visiting' Champion - Alfredo Escalera.

A 'protest' was filed by the Yamabe Camp, and a rematch was 'mandated' by the WBA, and within
90-Days.

On July 1, 1976 > the fighters did it again, This time the Champion - Alfredo Escalera
won by a 'solid' 15-Round Decision. But 'Buzzsaw' put in a quality effort in a competitive bout.

Following the loss, Yamabe decided to move back up to his more comfortable weight, as a
135 lb. Lightweight.

A quick victory {KO 5} over Filipono - Mar 'Sea Base' Basa on September 15th, got 'Buzzsaw'
back on his winning way.

On November 16, 1976 > 'Buzzsaw' took on former #1 Lightweight Contender - Arturo 'Tury' Pineda
in a WBC Lightweight Elimination bout. Despite being an underdog, 'Buzzsaw' overwhelmed Pineda
during the 2nd-Half of the bout, and scored a 'mild-upset' {TKO 8} win.

That win put 'Buzzsaw' Yamabe in line for this Championship Bout.