Daniel Valladares v Ginjiro Shigeoka Ends in a Disappointing No-Contest
A fight of so much promise ended in frustration as the match between IBF minimumweight champion Daniel Valladares (26-3-1 15 KOs) and challenger Ginjiro Shigeoka (8-0, 6 KOs; 1NC) ended in a three-round no-contest at the EDION Arena in Osaka, Japan.
CAME OUT FIRING
Many pundits view Shigeoka as one of the more impressive and heavily hyped up-and-coming fighters in the lower-weight divisions. The dynamic 5’0” southpaw was landing with combinations to the body and straight left hands to the head of the champ. Valladares attempted to apply pressure but was having problems coping with the speed and movement of the challenger in the first two rounds.
The challenger was continuing the momentum in the third. But late in that round, a headbutt interrupted the action. Shigeoka suffered swelling under his left eye and Valladares complained of dizziness.
Throughout his career, the champ has had a history of head clashes. In this instance, replays showed Valladares initiating the headbutt as he came face-forward and slammed his head into Shigeoka.
WHAT WILL THE IBF DO?
Before this bout, the IBF ruled that ex-IBF champion Mark Cuarto was obligated to be next in line to fight for the title. It’s unknown if the sanctioning body will abide by their ruling or whether there will be an immediate rematch between Valladares and Shigeoka.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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