Former WBC strawweight champion Yudai Shigeoka announced that he has retired from boxing.

The 28-year-old Shigeoka has been bedside for his younger brother, Ginjiro, 25, who previously held the IBF 105-pound title. Ginjiro has been in a coma since he had brain surgery after his 12-round, split-decision loss to Pedro Taduran on May 24 in Osaka, Japan.

It has been a harrowing time recently for boxing in Japan. Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa died from injuries sustained when they took part in separate bouts on the same card August 2 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.

Yudai Shigeoka took to his Instagram account to share an update on his brother and also his own future.

“The other day, my brother Ginjiro was transferred to a hospital in [our hometown of] Kumamoto,” Yudai said. “And today, I, Yudai, decided to retire from boxing. Thanks to all the [doctors] and nurses at National Hospital Osaka Medical Center, Ginjiro is still alive. I’m so grateful. When Gin gets better, we’ll definitely go and say hi [to the staff at the hospital].

"He’s currently at a hospital in Kumamoto, trying three types of rehabilitation for three hours a day. Don’t give up, keep going. I say every day and support him not to put out the flame in his heart.”

Their journey began when both were young children.

“We started martial arts together at the age of 6, and so far we’ve overcome uncountable barriers together. I still receive messages every day from people who worry about my brother.”

The two share a close bond. In fact, while both were amateurs, they had been due to face each other in the final of the Kumamoto prefecture final.

Both brothers, their father and their coach agreed that the bout should not take place, and it was decided that Ginjiro would not fight. As soon as the opening bell rang, his corner threw in the towel.

Ginjiro turned professional in September 2018 with high hopes of winning a world title. His elder sibling, Yudai, did the same in October 2019.

The younger brother won the Japanese title in March 2022 and vacated after one defense to allow Yudai the opportunity to do so, which he did in November 2022.

Ginjiro was given the chance to be the first of the two brothers to be crowned world champion. Despite dominating his fight with Daniel Valladares, a clash of heads rendered their fight no-contest in the third round.

The two brothers shared the same card in April 2023 and fought for interim world titles. Ginjiro knocked out Rene Mark Cuarto in the ninth round to win the IBF interim championship. Yudai took out Wilfredo Mendez in the seventh round to capture the WBC interim crown.

Both brothers wanted the full versions of their respective titles and got their opportunity in October 2023. Ginjiro easily stopped Valladares (TKO 5) for the IBF belt and Yudai bested Panya Pradabsri (UD 12) to become WBC boss.

In doing so, they became the first brothers to win world titles on the same card. That impressive achievement enabled the Shigeoka brothers to become The Ring’s joint “Fighter of the Month” for October 2023.

Yudai lost his title to Melvin Jerusalem (UD 12) in his next fight. After one defense, Ginjiro lost his championship to Pedro Taduran (TKO 9) in July 2024.

Both had rematches and again suffered defeats. Ginjiro also suffered life-altering injuries during his second defeat to Taduran.

The Ring has been informed that Ginjiro can breathe on his own without the aid of machines and his eyes are open. He is still unable to move or talk.