Former Japanese World Champion Ginjiro Shigeoka Retires After Brain Surgery
By Gabriel F. Cordero
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 28 May 2025
In a sobering turn of events following his intensely fought IBF minimumweight world title bout on Saturday, former Japanese world champion Ginjiro Shigeoka, aged 25, has undergone emergency brain surgery and is preparing for retirement from the sport of boxing. The Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) was officially informed of Shigeoka's condition on Tuesday, confirming the unfortunate end to a promising career.
Shigeoka’s recent fight, a 12-round split decision loss to Filipino champion Pedro Taduran at Intex Arena in Osaka, was a grueling affair, though he was not knocked down. However, moments after the judges' scores were announced, Shigeoka began to lose consciousness in the ring, a deeply concerning sight that prompted immediate medical attention. He was swiftly carried out on a stretcher and rushed to a nearby hospital.
It has since been confirmed that Shigeoka suffered an acute subdural hematoma, a serious brain bleed, necessitating an immediate craniotomy – a surgical procedure that involves temporarily removing a portion of the skull to access the brain. This is not the first time Shigeoka has faced severe post-fight medical issues; he also required surgery for a fractured orbital bone after his first encounter with Taduran in July of last year.
Under the stringent regulations of the Japan Boxing Commission, any boxer who has undergone brain surgery is ineligible to maintain a professional boxing license. The JBC has, therefore, informed Shigeoka of the necessity to retire from the sport, prioritizing his long-term health and well-being.
As of the latest reports, Ginjiro Shigeoka remains in an intensive care unit and under close observation at an Osaka hospital. The boxing community holds its breath, sending an outpouring of support and wishes for a full and swift recovery for the young fighter. While his departure from the ring is a tremendous loss to the sport, particularly given his exciting style and immense heart, the paramount concern now rests with his health and ability to lead a normal life beyond boxing.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Gabriel F. Cordero.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
OK-C you in the Finals Soon, Indy or NY; Thunder Oust Minnesota in Five, 124-94
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 29 May 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: Remembering Don José Sulaimàn
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Thu, 29 May 2025Manalo’s son Dylan secures victory
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 29 May 2025Manny’s induction to proceed
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 29 May 2025Hall of Fame Boxing Promoter Don King Wins $1.1 Million Purse Bid To Promote WBA Regular Heavyweight World Champion Kubrat Pulev Facing No. 2 Contender Michael Hunter On August 23
Thu, 29 May 2025Super middleweight division to open up, Darius Fulghum plans to make his move
Thu, 29 May 2025Boxing News Roundup: Tragedy, Comebacks, and Controversies Rock the Ring
Wed, 28 May 2025Indiana Pushes New York on the Edge, Wins Game Four, 130-121 for 3-1 Lead
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 28 May 2025Former Japanese World Champion Ginjiro Shigeoka Retires After Brain Surgery
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 28 May 2025Certeza Leads Antipolo Speedcubing Winners
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 28 May 2025CATTERALL VS. EUBANK + UNDERCARD LAUNCH PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Wed, 28 May 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION MAY 26 2025: Willibaldo Garcia, Terri Harper, Pedro Taduran and Angelo Leo Register Wins in World Title Fights
By Eric Armit, Tue, 27 May 2025Why split decision for Taduran?
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 27 May 2025Oklahoma Nips Minnesota, 128-126 for 3-1 Series Lead; T-Wolves Lose Despite Better Stats
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 27 May 2025Height no problem for Manny
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 27 May 2025