Ginjiro Shigeoka To Fight on Japan End of the Year Super-Card
We at 3KingsBoxing have spotlighted Japanese Strawweight prospect Ginjiro Shigeoka (4-0, 3 KO’s) since the beginning of his career. Now the 20-year-old boxing dynamo is getting the opportunity to have the biggest showcase fight so far in his young career.
Shigeoka makes his return to the ring to make the first defense of the WBO Asia-Pacific Strawweight title December 31. He’ll face former world title challenger Rey Loreto (25-14, 17 KO’s) at the Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo.
Shigeoka has been tabbed by the Japanese boxing media the country’s next potential superstar. The compliment goes back to his sensational amateur Days. He built an impressive 56-1 record, winning multiple national and regional titles.
What makes this fight important for the youngster is not only the opponent, it’s also the date and location. Fighting a former world champion in only his fifth professional bout is very noteworthy. It speaks to not only his talent, but also the confidence his team has in him. You don’t put a fighter so young in the ring against an opponent of Loreto’s caliber and experience if you think your charge is not the genuine article.
This fight is taking place on the undercard of Japan’s annual end-of-the-year boxing show, which features multiple world title fights. To land this kind of opportunity is another sign of how highly locals regard the youngster.
If you’ve seen Ginjiro Shigeoka fight, it’s obvious the talent of the 5’0” pocket rocket is immense. On paper, Loreto is the toughest opponent of his career. However, the phenom from Tokyo is on the fast track and has the look of someone who can not only pass this test, but fulfill all the expectations that have been laid upon him.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
