TOKYO, Japan — Former WBC strawweight champion Yudai Shigeoka announced his retirement from professional boxing to care for his younger brother, Ginjiro Shigeoka, who has been in a coma since May following a match in Osaka.
Ginjiro collapsed after his bout and underwent emergency brain surgery. Since then, he has remained in a coma. Yudai stated that his decision to retire was driven by his commitment to stay by his brother’s side during this critical period.
Yudai Shigeoka’s retirement comes amid heightened concern in Japan’s boxing community following the recent deaths of two other fighters. These incidents have sparked renewed discussions about athlete safety and medical protocols in the sport.
The Japan Boxing Commission and other organizations continue to review safety measures in response to the recent events. Yudai, known for his technical skill and discipline in the ring, leaves behind a decorated career, highlighted by his reign as WBC strawweight champion.
No further medical updates on Ginjiro’s condition have been released. The Shigeoka family has requested privacy as they focus on his recovery.
