Akihiko Honda
Born: Sept. 9, 1947
Induction: 2009
Born September 9, 1947. In 1964, at the age of 17, Honda became president of Teiken Promotions following the untimely passing of his father, Akira. While handling the managerial and promotional responsibilities at Teiken, he also attended and graduated from Rikkyo University in 1969.
Today, Teiken Promotions is one of the most influential and successful promotional companies in Japan. Honda promoted Mike Tyson's 1988 heavyweight title defense against Tony Tubbs in the inaugural bout at the Tokyo Dome, as well as James (Buster) Douglas' shocking upset of Mike Tyson for the heavyweight title in 1990 at the same venue. For over thirty years, Honda has promoted two monthly shows for Nippon Television and, since 1991, is the exclusive content provider for a two-hour weekly boxing program on WOWOW, the leading subscriber television network in Japan.
As a manager, Honda has guided the careers of champions Masao Ohba (WBA fly), Jiro Watanabe (WBA / WBC super fly), Genaro Hernandez (WBA / WBC super feather) and Eloy Rojas (WBA feather). Honda, who is highly regarded around the world, currently guides the careers of WBC featherweight / WBA super featherweight champion Jorge Linares, WBA minimumweight champion Roman Gonzales and former WBA super featherweight champion Edwin Valero among others.