Boxing world titan experiences emergency brain operation following unexpected collapse during match.
Japanese boxer Ginjiro Shigeoka, former IBF strawweight world champion, has undergone emergency brain surgery following his defeat against Pedro Taduran in their rematch. Shigeoka collapsed in the ring after the match's conclusion and was taken to a hospital in Osaka where he remains under a medically induced coma.
On Saturday night, Shigeoka lost consciousness for the second time during their competitive five-round fight. Taduran secured a split decision victory, marking the first time Shigeoka had been defeated as a professional.
In July 2024, Shigeoka succumbed to Taduran in the ninth round, losing the title he held since capturing it from Daniel Valladares via fifth-round TKO in October 2023. Following their initial clash, Shigeoka underwent surgery for an orbital fracture and received medical clearance for a return to the ring against Taduran.
A post on Shigeoka's official social media channels revealed that he underwent craniotomy surgery and has been forced to retire as a boxer. The Japanese Boxing Commission (JBC) has confirmed this, citing the procedure as the reason for his retirement.
Shigeoka stepped away from the sport with an 11-2-1 record as a professional and an impressive amateur career that included five national titles and 56 victories out of 57 fights. The sole loss came against his brother, Yudai Shigeoka, who went on to capture the WBC strawweight belt.
In his professional career, Taduran remains the only fighter to have defeated Ginjiro Shigeoka.
According to the JBC, Shigeoka was diagnosed with an acute subdural hematoma, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention. As of May 29, 2025, Shigeoka is showing signs of improvement following the emergency surgery.
Reports indicate that the boxing community is rallying around Shigeoka during this crucial period, with the World Boxing Association expressing their support for the former champion. Shigeoka's prognosis will depend on his ongoing medical recovery and the extent of neurological impact from the hematoma and surgery.
Despite his retirement from boxing, Ginjiro Shigeoka's impact in the sport is undeniable, as he remains the only opponent Taduran managed to defeat in MMA or boxing sports. Although he succumbed to Taduran in their second fight, Shigeoka still boasts an impressive record of 11-2-1 in professional boxing and a remarkable amateur career.
