Shigeoka remains hospitalized

The Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) is coming out with an announcement on the medical condition of Ginjiro Shigeoka, the Japanese fighter who Filipino champion Pedro Taduran defeated to retain the International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimumweight crown over the weekend in Osaka.

In a social media post by Viva Promotions, which has a stake in Taduran’s affairs, the Las Vegas-based outfit is asking the public for well wishes and prayers “as he remains hospitalized in Japan today (Monday).”

“JBC will issue a public announcement on his condition tomorrow and we ask for your prayers that we may receive positive news regarding Shigeoka’s health condition. Get well soon, champ! Keep on fighting! Viva Ginjiro!”

Cucuy Elorde, who co-manages Taduran with his brother Marty, told DAILY TRIBUNE that she went to check on Shigeoka immediately after the 12-round split decision verdict was announced to console him and his camp.

“His hand was shaking (when I went over to see him),” Cucuy said, stressing that she hugged Ginjiro and his brother Yudai.

Moments after Cucuy approached Ginjiro, his handlers suddenly panicked as the boxer began to weaken and he had to be stretchered out of the ring en route to a nearest hospital.

“Yudai is so close to me,” Cucuy said, adding Yudai trained at the family-owned Elorde Sports Center in Parañaque a few months ago and she even accompanied him during a tour of Manila.

It was the second straight time that Ginjiro had to be brought to the hospital after being taken there when he lost to Taduran in July last year.

Cucuy, obviously concerned over the boxer’s condition, attempted to get more information from Japanese contacts but the information given has been short and vague.

But Cucuy was told that she should not worry.

Still, Cucuy is hoping and praying that the JBC’s announcement is going to be favorable.

Even Taduran is bothered and is keeping his fingers crossed that Ginjiro gets cleared by the hospital soon.