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REPORT: JAPANESE STAR YOSHIHIRO TAKAYAMA PARALYZED

By Mike Johnson on 2017-08-06 18:38:00

A report by MMA website MiddleEasy.com noted today that Japanese star Yoshihiro Takayama, 50 years old, has been paralyzed from the neck down after suffering an injury last May while wrestling in Osaka, Japan for the DDT promotion.

Takayama first broke into the business working for the UWFI before moving on to All Japan Pro Wrestling.  He fought in several of the early PRIDE events, including a famous fight against Don Frye and was renowned for the level of physical punishment he was able to endure while legitimately fighting.  After the passing of Giant Baba and formation of NOAH, Takayama moved to that promotion.  In recent years, Takayama had been working primarily for DDT.

Over the course of his career, he held the All Japan Triple Crown, New Japan's IWGP Heavyweight championship and the NOAH Global Honored Crown Heavyweight championship.    He is one of only two men, the other being Kensuke Sasaki to accomplish that feat.

While Takayama's injury occurred in May, the seriousness of his medical condition came to light today.  It was noted in the article that his family is having financial issues revolving around his medical care.  There is no word, yet, as to how fans can assist.

Obviously, we wish Takayama and his family the best.

 

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