World Boxing News can reveal that Ginjiro Shigeoka is awake and responsive despite recent online news reports claiming he remains in an unconscious state following a serious head injury.
His brother, fellow world boxing champion Yudai Shigeoka, moved to set the record straight by posting a touching update and video from his August 15 hospital visit.
The footage, showing Ginjiro’s hands moving, was shared to reassure fans after false reports caused distress in the family.
“Ginjiro is conscious,” Yudai began. “There have been online news reports saying he’s ‘still unconscious,’ and that made our grandmother very sad. But of course, the media can’t know for sure — they’re not at the hospital seeing him directly. That’s why I’m here to share the truth.”
A Positive Update
Yudai, who retired at 28 to care for his younger sibling, posted a short video from his August 15 visit to show that Ginjiro is conscious and able to communicate.
“I’m posting a short video from today’s visit (August 15). It only shows his hands, but even from that, you can clearly see that Ginjiro is conscious and able to communicate. I’m not showing his face because his injuries are still painful to look at.”
The former champion also noted a significant improvement in his brother’s condition.
“He still has paralysis on his left side, but compared to when he was in the Osaka hospital and couldn’t move his left hand at all, today he actually managed to move it, and for the first time, he even struck a fighting pose. (At first I thought he was trying to poop, haha.)”
Yudai Shigeoka is forced to post a video of his recovering brother, Ginjiro Shigeoka, after some media claimed his younger sibling wasn’t conscious.
The heartbreaking clips shows just how far Gin has to go in his recovery and the battle facing Yudai after retiring at 28 to join… pic.twitter.com/wxTXOZpXKm
— World Boxing News (@WorldBoxingNews) August 15, 2025
Debunking Rumors and Gaining Strength
Yudai took the steps to douse the flames of rumor, something no carer should have to do when already worried about a family member. It’s been less than 48 hours since Yudai announced his retirement at 28 to focus on caring for his younger sibling, and that’s when the reports began. The clip roundly contradicts those rumors.
“Yesterday, I told him during our visit, ‘Everyone thinks you’re still unconscious.’ He can’t speak yet, but he gave me a really annoyed look. So I said, ‘Alright, let’s show everyone you’re alive with a video!’ and I think that’s why he gave it his all with that pose.
“He’s lost some weight because he’s still getting nutrition through a tube from his nose to his stomach. But soon, he’s expected to start rehab so he can eat and drink by mouth again. Once that happens, he should regain a lot more strength.”
Yudai also thanked fans for their support, noting their messages have been a source of strength. The heartwarming post comes as Ginjiro continues his long rehabilitation from a traumatic brain injury sustained earlier this year, with Japanese boxing fans rallying around the Shigeoka family in support.
Ginjiro went into difficulty after his rematch defeat to Pedro Taduran on May 24 in Osaka and needed emergency care, with fears raised that he might not pull through.
The incident is one of many, including two deaths on the same show, that contributed to a recent JBC meeting where the organization confirmed extra safety measures at future Japanese boxing shows.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.