Ginjiro Shigeoka Retires from Boxing After Brain Surgery
Former IBF strawweight champion Ginjiro Shigeoka is under observation at a private hospital in Osaka, Japan, after undergoing a craniotomy following his split-decision defeat to Pedro Taduran over the weekend.
Craniotomy is a procedure that involves removing a part of the skull to prepare for brain surgery. Shigeoka suffered an acute subdural hematoma, a life-threatening condition in which blood accumulates between the brain and its outer covering, during his fight against Taduran.
The 25-year-old boxer collapsed in the ring shortly after the decision was announced and had to be carried out of the arena on a stretcher. This was the second time Shigeoka had collapsed after a fight with Taduran. He also collapsed after their first encounter in July, which Taduran won by knockout in the ninth round.
Shigeoka suffered a fracture in the orbital bone that required surgery and received medical clearance to face Taduran in the rematch. However, this will be the last time Shigeoka competes in a boxing match.
The International Boxing Federation expresses its deepest concern and sincere wishes for a speedy and complete recovery for former IBF world champion Ginjiro Shigeoka, who underwent emergency brain surgery after his fight against Pedro Taduran last weekend. This sad incident has deeply affected the boxing community and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time.
IBF Statement
According to the rules established by the Japan Boxing Commission, a boxer who has undergone brain surgery will not be able to obtain a license to compete and will be forced to retire.
Shigeoka was a prominent figure in amateur boxing with a record of 56-1. His only loss was against his older brother, Yudai, when his corner threw in the towel after family members agreed not to face each other in a tournament. Shigeoka turned professional in 2018 and began his career with an 11-0 record with 9 knockouts. He beat Daniel Valladares by knockout to win the IBF strawweight title in 2023. He made a successful defense before the two losses to Taduran.The future of Ginjiro Shigeoka in boxing has come to an end after the recent surgery, marking the closure of a promising career.
