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:
Indiana Must Control Jalen Williams, Challenge at Slot to Extend Series
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 19 Jun 2025Pacquiao vs. Barrios: Intensity Builds as Barrios Warns of Bad Intentions, Potential Future Fights, and Expert Takes Dominate News Cycle
By Dong Secuya, Thu, 19 Jun 2025Tickets On Sale Now for “Night of Champions” July 18 Live on DAZN from Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando
Thu, 19 Jun 2025Undefeated Boxer Dante Kirkman Makes History as First Pro Fighter to Graduate from Stanford University
Thu, 19 Jun 2025USA Boxing Junior Olympics and Summer Festival Day Two Concludes
Thu, 19 Jun 2025WBC Legends of Boxing Museum reopens on June 22 in Los Angeles
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 18 Jun 2025AFBC Extraordinary Congress declared invalid: Former Board's authority nullified
Wed, 18 Jun 2025Winners of 2025 UTP Elite Eight Playoffs Named; 18 Junior Tennis Standouts to Represent PH in International Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 18 Jun 2025Weights from Tokyo: Christian Araneta 107.6, Thanongsak Simsri 107.1 for Vacant IBF Light Flyweight World Title
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 18 Jun 2025Weigh-In Results: Brian Norman Jr. vs. Jin Sasaki
Wed, 18 Jun 2025CLARESSA SHIELDS VS. LANI DANIELS PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Wed, 18 Jun 2025Brian Norman Jr.: "This Championship Belt Means Everything to Me!"
Wed, 18 Jun 2025Julian Gonzalez Takes on Former World Title Challenger Jason Sanchez in Main Event on Friday, June 27th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia
Wed, 18 Jun 2025IBA reaffirms its commitment to good governance and stability in Africa
Wed, 18 Jun 2025Day One of the USA Boxing Junior Olympics and Summer Festival Concludes
Wed, 18 Jun 2025