Former IBF light-flyweight champion Ginjiro Shigeoka has undergone emergency brain surgery following his collapse in the ring during a recent bout.
The 25-year-old Japanese southpaw lost consciousness shortly after the announcement of his split decision defeat to Filipino boxer Pedro Taduran in their rematch in Osaka, Japan. Medical staff quickly rushed to his aid, and he was stretchered out of the arena in a scene that left spectators and viewers worldwide deeply concerned.
According to an update from the Japanese Boxing Commission (JBC), “Ginjiro Shigeoka has suffered from an acute subdural hematoma and has already undergone a craniotomy. G. Shigeoka is still currently under observation in a private hospital in Osaka, Japan.”
The emergency procedure, which involves removing part of the skull to relieve pressure on the brain, was performed immediately after Shigeoka was transported to the hospital. The young star currently remains in a medically induced coma as doctors continue to monitor his condition closely.
Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, the JBC’s Secretary General, provided further details on the boxer’s condition: “The definite information is that he has an acute right subdural hematoma. He underwent emergency craniotomy immediately after the match and is currently under observation. It will take about a week to know his condition. He is asleep under anaesthesia. We will continue to monitor his condition from now on.”
In a devastating development for the talented boxer, the JBC has announced that Shigeoka will be required to retire from the sport. “The commission has already enforced that Shigeoka has to retire from boxing following his craniotomy procedure,” read the statement from his representatives. This decision aligns with Japanese Boxing Council regulations, which prohibit boxers who have undergone any type of brain surgery from holding licenses, even if they make a full recovery.
Before his back-to-back losses to Taduran, Shigeoka had maintained an undefeated record in his professional career. He comes from a boxing family – his brother Yudai is a former WBC light-flyweight titleholder.
The boxing world now anxiously awaits further updates on Shigeoka’s recovery, with medical professionals indicating it will take approximately a week before his condition becomes clearer.
