Ginjiro Shigeoka Ready To Take His Career To The Next Level

Is Ginjiro Shigeoka On the Verge of a World Title Shot?

In April 2019, 3KingsBoxing featured Japanese minimumweight Ginjiro Shigeoka for the Prospect To Watch series. At that time, the then 19-year old was described as explosive, oozing natural ability, and had a very bright future. Japanese boxing pundits view him as a future world champion.

Now age 21, the 5’0” power-punching dynamo has won his first six fights as a pro, winning the Japanese and WBO Asia Pacific minimumweight title. Many would scoff at the WBO Asia Pacific title and view it as little more than a regional strap. However, it carries meaning for this reason.

CONNECT THE DOTS

That title is associated with one of the world sanctioning organizations. In this instance, it’s the WBO. Winning that title means a fighter will garner a world ranking. That is the case with Shigeoka. He is already ranked #6 by the WBC and WBO, and #12 by the IBF and WBA, at 105 pounds. Now, it seems Shigeoka (6-0, 5 KOs) is ready to take the next step in his career.

According to boxing media source Asian Boxing, the resident of Tokyo, Japan has decided to vacate the WBO Asia Pacific title. He alluded to a desire to fight on a bigger stage. That spells one thing. The fighter and his camp believe they are ready to fight for a world title.

There is a long history of fighters from Japan going for and winning a world title early in their professional career. Capturing a world title in fifteen fights or less is not outside the norm. If talent means anything, Shigeoka has the potential to accomplish just that.

NOT OUT OF THE ORDINARY

Interestingly, he’s willing to travel to get a world title shot. Backed by power players in Japan, one would think it behooves them to get a world title shot on domestic soil. It speaks to the self-belief of the fighter and the confidence his handlers have in him.

If they are serious, here is a scenario worth watching. With Ginjiro Shigeoka ranking pretty high with the WBC, one could envision his team would attempt to put him in the ring against current WBC minimumweight champion Panya Pradabsri of Thailand. A fight between those is plausible for either late 2021 or early 2022.

It will be interesting to see what’s forthcoming. 3KingsBoxing has been paying attention since his very first fight. His progress will continue to be observed.

By: Michael Wilson Jr.

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