The boxing world holds its breath as it closely follows the progress of the young Japanese pugilist. Shigeoka, who had quickly become a boxing prospect since his professional debut in 2018, now faces the biggest battle of his life away from the squared circle. According to Hitoshi Watanabe, head of the Watanabe Gym:
He is receiving treatment in hospital. Fortunately, his condition is stable and we are monitoring his progress
The dramatic incident occurred moments after Shigeokalost a split decision to Filipino Pedro Taduran in his attempt to regain the IBF minimum flyweight title. At the end of the fight, Shigeoka collapsed in his corner and had to be evacuated unconscious from the venue on a stretcher, causing shock among those present and the international boxing community.
Ginjiro and his fight outside the ring
The days following the fight have been crucial for the Japanese boxer. His older brother, Yudai Shigeoka, also a professional boxer, revealed the seriousness of the case when he reported that Ginjiro had suffered an acute subdural hematoma, requiring an emergency craniotomy to relieve pressure on his brain. In an emotional statement, Yudai said his brother was “desperately trying to live” as he remained in intensive care, unconscious but breathing on his own.
In a heartfelt plea, Yudai has asked Ginjiro’s friends to send him voice messages:
I have a request for Gin’s friends: I want to let Gin listen to more voice messages. I’m grateful to many friends who have already sent me messages. Even short messages are fine. I will let Gin listen to them every day
This initiative highlights the importance of emotional support in the difficult recovery process facing the young boxer.
The end for Ginjiro Shigeoka’s career?
Beyond the concern for his health, the incident marks a definite turning point in Shigeoka’s career. According to the strict rules of the Japanese Boxing Commission, any boxer who undergoes a craniotomy is automatically disqualified from competing professionally.The commission has already officially ordered Shigeoka’s retirement from boxing following the procedure, ending his career at the age of 25. It is a devastating blow for an athlete who built an impressive record in just six years as a professional and had been IBF world minimumweight champion in 2023 and 2024.
This fight against Taduran was the second time the two fighters had met in the ring. In their first encounter last summer, Shigeoka suffered a stoppage defeat in the ninth round, where he also suffered an orbital fracture that required surgery. Despite that injury, doctors cleared him to return to competition, but this time the consequences have been far more serious. With a final record of 11-2, Ginjiro Shigeoka leaves behind a promising career that will unfortunately be marked by this tragic outcome that reminds us of the inherent dangers of this contact sport.
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