Ginjiro Shigeoka

Early Life and Amateur Career

Ginjiro Shigeoka, born on October 18, 1999, in Kumamoto, Japan, exhibited a passion for boxing from a young age. Growing up in a region known for its strong boxing culture, Shigeoka was influenced by local fighters and the rich tradition of the sport in Japan. His early training took place at a local boxing gym where he quickly demonstrated his natural talent and dedication. Shigeoka’s amateur career was distinguished by significant accomplishments that showcased his potential on both national and international stages. One of his early notable achievements came in 2015 when he won the All Japan Junior High School Boxing Championships in the light-flyweight division. This victory marked him as a rising star in Japanese boxing and set the stage for his future successes.

In 2016, Shigeoka further solidified his reputation by winning the gold medal at the AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships held in St. Petersburg, Russia. Competing in the light-flyweight division, he displayed exceptional skill and poise, defeating top young boxers from around the world. This victory was a significant milestone in his amateur career, earning him international recognition and boosting his confidence. Continuing his success, Shigeoka went on to win the Japanese National High School Championships in 2017. His dominance in the light-flyweight division was evident as he consistently outperformed his peers, showcasing his technical prowess and strategic acumen. These victories not only enhanced his standing in the national boxing community but also prepared him for the challenges of a professional career. Shigeoka’s amateur career culminated with his participation in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Competing against the best young boxers globally, he advanced to the final rounds, earning a bronze medal.

Professional Career

Ginjiro Shigeoka, a prodigious talent from Kumamoto, Japan, turned professional on September 25, 2018, with a third-round TKO victory over Sanchai Yotboon at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo. His debut showcased his exceptional power and skill, quickly establishing him as a formidable contender in the mini-flyweight division. Building on his impressive start, Shigeoka continued to dominate his opponents. On February 26, 2019, he secured a first-round TKO win against Gerttipong Kumsahwat, again at Korakuen Hall. His rapid ascent in the professional ranks was further evidenced by his unanimous decision victory over Joel Lino on April 14, 2019, at the City Sogo Gym in Kōshi, Japan.

A pivotal moment in Shigeoka’s career came on July 27, 2019, when he captured the vacant WBO Asia Pacific mini-flyweight title by knocking out Clyde Azarcon in the first round. This victory not only earned him his first regional title but also cemented his status as a rising star in the division. He successfully defended this title twice, with notable wins over Rey Loreto on December 31, 2019, and Toshiki Kawamitsu on August 4, 2021. Shigeoka’s ascent continued as he claimed the Japanese mini-flyweight title on March 27, 2022, by defeating Tatsuro Nakashima via unanimous decision. He retained this title with a fourth-round knockout of Naoya Haruguchi on July 6, 2022, in his hometown of Kumamoto.

On January 6, 2023, Shigeoka faced Daniel Valladares for the IBF mini-flyweight title. However, the bout ended in a no-contest due to an accidental clash of heads. Undeterred, Shigeoka went on to win the interim IBF mini-flyweight title by knocking out Rene Mark Cuarto in the ninth round on April 16, 2023, at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo. Shigeoka’s crowning achievement came on October 7, 2023, when he defeated Daniel Valladares in their rematch, this time via a fifth-round TKO, to capture the IBF mini-flyweight title at the Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo. He successfully defended his title with a second-round knockout of Jake Amparo on March 31, 2024, at the International Conference Hall in Nagoya, Japan.