Yudai Shigeoka, the older brother of Ginjiro Shigeoka, has given a somewhat positive update on his brother’s health.

Yudai Shigeoka

Ginjiro suffered a bleed on the brain in his defeat to Pedro Taduran for the IBF minimumweight title back in May and underwent brain surgery, leaving him in a coma. Many feared the worst after his brother Yudai revealed days later that his brother was “trying desperately to live” in a hospital in Osaka, Japan.

There was a slightly positive update in June, with Yudai revealing that his brother was now breathing without a respirator and mumbling when spoken to.

Since then, there has been little news on the condition of Ginjiro. After the deaths of Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa from injuries suffered in separate fights on the tragic event in Korakuen Hall in Tokyo on August 2, Ginjiro’s injuries were again brought back into the spotlight.

Yudai has taken to social media to provide an update on his younger brother. The former WBC junior flyweight champion made the tough decision to retire from boxing, seemingly to help care for his brother.

“The other day my brother Ginjiro [Shigeoka] was transferred to a hospital in Kumamoto, [Japan],” Yudai posted on Instagram. “And today, I, Yudai, have decided to retire from boxing. “Thanks to the doctors and nurses at the National Hospital Osaka Medical Center, Ginjiro is still alive. We are truly grateful. They saved his life. When Gin gets better, we will definitely go and say goodbye. 

“He is currently undergoing three types of rehabilitation at a hospital in Kumamoto, three hours a day. I encourage him every day, telling him not to give up and to keep trying, so that flame in his heart does not go out.”

Both of the Shigeoka brothers won major titles on the same October 2023 show, six months after they claimed interim versions of those belts on the same April 2023 event.

Yudai claimed the WBC 105lbs title in a twelve-round, unanimous decision over Thailand’s Panya Pradabsri. The win came in just his eighth pro fight. That same show saw Ginjiro – in his 11^th pro contest - dethrone IBF 105lbs titlist Daniel Valladares via fifth-round knockout.

It was a long-realized dream that exceeded their expectations when they first took up combat sports as youths in Japan.

“We started martial arts together at the age of six, and together we have overcome countless obstacles,” noted Yudai, who turned pro in October 2019. “I have been able to get this far because of Gin. Gin has big dreams, and he is still only halfway there, but I believe it is my role as my brother to help color his life from now on.”

Yudai’s title reign ended without a successful defense. He lost his belt to the Philippines’ Melvin Jerusalem via split decision last March 31 in Nagoya. The same show saw Ginjiro retain his IBF belt with a second-round knockout of Jake Amparo.

It turned out to be the final win of Ginjiro’s career.

Yudai rebounded with a ten-round, unanimous decision over Samuel Salva last August 24, but fell short once again to Jerusalem in a more lopsided defeat this past March 30 in Tokoname, Japan.

Ginjiro lost his belt to Taduran in a ninth-round stoppage last July 28 in Otsu. Their rematch was more competitive, though came at a heavy cost. Fortunately, he has since taken a turn for the better three months after that scary moment in Osaka.

“I don’t want Gin to regret having decided to take up boxing,” noted Yudai. “The people he met and the experiences he had there are all treasures. I still receive messages every day from people who are worried about Gin. From now on, I will create a place where people can say, ‘If you go here, you can meet Ginjiro!’ That is my new dream. Plans are progressing steadily. That is why I have decided to retire. I have no regrets. The real challenge begins here.

“With what he learned from karate and boxing – steady effort every day, daily hard work, and persistence is power – in mind, we will blossom with Gin on a new path. Although we are retiring, we hope you will continue to follow the Shigeoka brothers’ way of life. Thank you so much for all your support up until now. Everyone, let’s definitely meet again.”

A PERSONAL NOTE:

I personally would like to wish Yudai and Ginjiro all the best in their lives beyond the squared circle. I was ringside back in May when Ginjiro left on a stretcher and I, like many, feared the worst. The tragic events on August 2 in Tokyo are a reminder of just how dangerous the sport we all love is, and that every single fighter who enters the ring is putting their life at risk, and we as fans should be incredibly respectful to the warriors who fight for our entertainment. I truly am happy to hear the positive news about Ginjiro and hope he is able to live a full and plentiful life beyond the ropes. 

Boxing is the best sport in the world, but it truly can be the worst sometimes. I hope the sport can learn from what happened to Ginjiro back in May and the events on August 2 so that we can ensure every fighter who enters the ring is in the best condition possible and has the best medical attention should they need it.

Tom Ivers is an amateur boxer who has a master’s degree in sports journalism. He had his first bout in 2013, joined BoxingScene in 2024 and is now a key part of the UK and social media teams.