Former minimumweight titlist Yudai Shigeoka announced on Instagram that he’s retiring from boxing at 28 in order to support the recovery of brother Ginjiro, who underwent emergency brain surgery following his loss to Pedro Taduran this past May.
Per Yudai, Ginjiro is undergoing “three types of rehabilitation for three hours a day” at a Kumamoto hospital. Kyodo News reports that Ginjiro “passed the critical point,” and though his prognosis is unclear, it appears he’s no longer in imminent threat of death.
Less than four years after his professional debut, Yudai knocked out former titlist Wilfredo “Biimbito” Mendez to claim the interim WBC title, then dispatched Panya Pradabsri for the full title six months later. Then came a shock split decision loss to Melvin Jerusalem, a get-well decision over Samuel Salva, and finally a clear loss to Jerusalem in their rematch this past March.
Yudai clearly feels blessed to have a brother like Ginjiro, but it’s clear that Ginjiro is just as blessed. I dearly hope both of them get the support they need to get through this ordeal and find a new passion together.
