Ginjiro Shigeoka: The next great one from Japan!
Over the years, Japan has produced its fair share of boxing dynamo’s from the smaller-weight divisions. The success of current world champions Ken Shiro, Kosei Tanaka, Kiroto Kyoguchi and of course Naoya Inoue, serve as evidence.
They also demonstrate how commonly young prodigies from the Japanese boxing scene are spotted early, cultivated and groomed for success at the world level.
The next fighter in line of outstanding young phenoms from Japan may well be minimumweight Ginjiro Shigeoka. Japanese boxing circle have tabbed Shigeoka as a fighter to keep an eye on. There is already a serious buzz about the potential of the 19 year-old sensation.
With a 56-1 (17KO) record as an amateur, he has been viewed as one of Japan’s best boxing prospects since his days as multiple time high school boxing champion. His sole amateur defeat came via his older brother, Yudai.
Named the 2018 State of the Art Award (aka the Newcomer Award) winner by the Eastern Japanese Boxing Association, Shigeoka improved to 2-0 (2KO) with a first round stoppage win over Gerttipong Kumsahwat at the Korakeun Hall yesterday in Tokyo.
Having seen his professional debut, a 3rd round KO over Sanchai Yotboon in September 2018, it’s easy to see why there’s such hype. If there’s one word to describe the young minimumweight, it is explosive.
In fact, there’s a dynamic quality to Shigeoka reminiscent to what you saw from Naoya Inoue early on in his career; a skilled, fast-twitch boxer who also packs plenty of power in both hands.
Ginjiro Shigeoka vs Sanchai Yotboon
While not the tallest fighter in the world, during his debut stoppage win over Yotboon, Shigeoka oozed potential. Not only was he dominant while on attack, he showed very good counter-punching skills; in particular, with the left hand.
He also impressed with his punch distribution to the head and body.
The way he finished the fight against Yotboon was sensational! With his opponent on the ropes, Shigeoka countered a right-hand with a flush counter left-hand to Yotboon’s chin. He immediately followed with a left-hand to the body. Yotboon went down and was too hurt to get back up.
Yes, Shigeoka is still young and has a lot to learn. However, the talent in this young kid is unmistakable and cannot be denied. Young talents from Japan have a proven record of not only making their mark early in boxing, but proving to be fighters of real substance; particularly at the smaller weights.
He is certainly a fighter to keep an eye on and may well be the next little giant to come out of the Orient.
Shigeoka returns April 14 in Japan against an opponent yet to be determined.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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