There is no doubt that boxing is one of the deadliest sports in the world. Just this February, the Irish boxer John Cooney died, leaving his loved ones at the young age of twenty-eight. God forbid if the same had happened with the former strawweight champ, Ginjiro Shigeoka, when he fought Pedro Taduran three days ago. In a split decision loss while fighting at Intex Osaka in Japan, the 25-year-old collapsed post-fight, getting carried out of the ring on a stretcher, rushed immediately to the hospital. He had to undergo brain surgery.
The duo had already clashed in July last year at the Shiga Daihatsu Arena in Otsu, Japan, when Shigeoka lost by TKO, collapsed, and underwent surgery for an orbital fracture. The IBF waved an all-clear flag to let the Japanese back into the ring after that, but if they only knew that this time, a more serious and tragic situation would follow for the Kumamoto native. Knocked down during the 12-round bout, Ginjiro Shigeoka had started losing consciousness after the results were announced.
The Japanese Boxing Commission confirmed on Tuesday that the young fighter won’t be returning to professional boxing, ever. It is simply against the rules for boxers who have had brain surgery. Meaning, Shigeoka can no longer hold a professional license. Unfortunately, he’ll absolutely need to retire from the sport. For those who cannot relate why he would rush into a dangerous fight instantly after making a return, in his defense, the ex-champ held the IBF minimumweight title for a year after winning it two years ago.
Until now, none of the boxer’s connections were aware of the intensity of his condition. Only his promoters could receive the news from JBC. “According to JBC [Japanese Boxing Commission], Japanese Former IBF Champion 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 commission has already enforced that Shigeoka has to retire from boxing following his craniotomy procedure,” a post on X read.
Sharing the updates with the fans, the Ring Magazine posted the news on their Instagram three hours ago, reiterating that the former champ remains unconscious under anesthesia in the hospital.
Following this, fans have united together to share an empathic sentiment for their beloved warrior.
Ginjiro Shigeoka’s acute subdural hematoma receives prayers from fans
One user commented, “I hope this warrior pulls through,” acknowledging the severity of the crisis. Acute subdural hematoma or SDH is an extremely serious condition where a head injury leads to blood accumulation between the brain and its outer covering. The head surgery is traumatic in itself.
Understanding what the boxer and his family must be going through, another fan wrote, “Thoughts with him and his family.” For those who don’t know, acute subdural hematoma develops within 24-48 hours of the victim being injured, and it has been known to be the cause of mortality as well. That’s exactly what brought severity to the boxer’s life.
“Praying for this man and his recovery ,“ one more user wrote, seemingly unlinked to the boxing community, but offering their sympathy for such a tragic health emergency.
Echoing the sentiment, another fan wrote, “Lord Jesus may he regain his health in your holy and sovereign name.” And that seems to be the thought in everyone’s minds right now, considering that 50-80 percent of the people who go through such an injury die. And the chances of experiencing either a partial or full recovery are only up to 30 percent. Let’s hope that Ginjiro Shigeoka doesn’t fall into the majority of victims.
“ our sport is so brutal at times. I pray he is going to be okay ,” a user wrote, distressed at how brutal boxing can be at times. According to a 2011 CNN report, 13 boxers die inside the ring every year. Since that report is old, there is a chance that this number can be even higher. Since the popularity of the sport has attracted even more athletes.
“hope he makes a speedy recovery anything for these warriors who put it on the line for our entertainment,” one fan commented. This was another nod to every fan who must be feeling sad right now for watching boxers fight as a means of entertainment, while watching from a distance or the comfort of our couch, we cannot even feel the physical pain they go through.
Another boxing fan wrote, “Fucckk.. I was just wondering how he was doing too.. the ref definitely let taduran get away with along of dirty tactics.” You see, everyone was worried because there were no immediate updates about what happened to Shigeoka. And that if he’s okay.
Lastly, wishing for a miracle, one of the fans sobbed out, “Champion, please come back.” And that is what we all want for now as we pray for Ginjiro Shigeoka’s recovery and a long, healthy recovered life.
The post Boxing Community Joins Hands as Ginjiro Shigeoka’s Career Gets Cut Short After Tragic Brain Injury appeared first on EssentiallySports.
