FROM the looks of it, Ginjiro Shigeoka’s failed bid to regain the IBF mini-flyweight title against champion Pedro Taduran may mark the end of his career.
The Japanese challenger underwent brain surgery following his loss to Taduran via split decision last Saturday at the Intex in Osaka, Japan.
The former world champion remains in the Intensive Care Unit. But a medical bulletin released by his brother Yudai bared Shigeoka is in stable condition.
READ Taduran beats Shigeoka anew to keep IBF mini-flyweight belt
Shigeoka’s older brother made the update on his Instagram post, saying Ginjiro has passed the critical stage.
“The medical professionals informed us that the most critical week had passed, which was the most trying time for Ginjiro and our family,” said Yudai, also a former world champion.
"Although Ginjiro was initially unable to breathe without a respiratory apparatus, he can now breathe on his own, with other health indicators also showing improvement.”
Still, retirement beckons for the 25-year-old Japanese.
Kyodo News reported that as per rules by the Japanese Boxing Commission, a boxer is denied a professional license if he had brain surgery.
Shigeoka (11-2, 9 KOs) lost in his bid to regain the IBF title belt from Taduran, who punished the Japanese challenger like he did during their first fight with heavy-handed combinations.
Dramatic ending
The former world champion was still conscious to hear the split decision verdict, before suddenly falling in his corner in what initially appeared to be from exhaustion following the grueling 12-round bout.
But he was later stretchered out of the ring and brought directly to the hospital.
Shigeoka also suffered heavy damage when he lost his crown to Taduran in their first encounter which ended in a ninth-round stoppage also in Japan in July last year.
The Japanese fighter was also brought to the hospital after the fight as he suffered a right orbital bone fracture which also required surgery.
His two career loss were both inflicted by Taduran.
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