Yudai Shigeoka has provided another update on the condition of his younger brother Ginjiro Shigeoka who remains in intensive care after his defeat to Pedro Taduran on May 24.
Shigeoka lost a split decision to Taduran in Osaka, Japan, before collapsing on his stool in his corner. Shigeoka was then stretchered out of the ring and last week his brother Yudai revealed that he suffered a bleed on the brain and had undergone a craniotomy.
Yudai also said that Ginjiro was “trying desperately to live” and that he was unconscious, but now breathing without a respirator. Yudai had asked for privacy during what is clearly an emotional time for him and his family, but took to social media earlier today [June 3] to provide a somewhat positive update in Ginjiro’s health.
The post, translated from Japanese, read: “Starting today, Ginjiro’s eyes are half-open because he’s no longer taking painkillers (anestesia), but when I kept talking to him, he started chewing and yawning, and I felt like he could hear me. He was also blinking. I think things will likely become more clearer now.
“He will likely be transferred from the ICU to a general ward soon. It was a somewhat reassuring encounter. I have one request for Gin’s friends: I want to let Gin hear more voice messages. I’m grateful to many friends who have already sent me messages. Even short messages are fine, so I’d like you to send more. I’ll let Gin hear them everyday.
“A lot of people are worried about Gin, and as his older brother, I’m proud that he’s loved by everyone. Please continue to support Ginjiro.”