Japan Middleweight. Cassius Naito, One of the more successful Middleweights from Japan. Based out of Yokohama, and trained by Eddie Townsend. By March 1971, Cassius Naito 22-0-2 (10 KO's) was on the verge of a Middleweight Championship bout. Cassius had won both the Japanese, and OPBF Middleweight Titles. A slick-punching southpaw, who 'thrilled' the Japan Boxing fans with his 'flamboyant style', which included 'calling-out-the-round' in which he would dispose of his opponent. Cassius was also famous for his 'flamboyant boxing robes', tassles on his boxing shoes, and ring dance which he called 'The Yokohama Shuffle'. Was supposed to be 'next-in-line' for Carlos Monzon, after Monzon disposed of Nino Benvenuti the 'second time' in May 1971. Due to 'contractual' problems, the proposed July 1971 bout never came off. Cassius was ahead of his time.