Ginjiro Shigeoka was well on his way to proving that big things come in small packages. 

An accidental foul denied the diminutive southpaw the opportunity to win his first major title as his challenge of reigning IBF strawweight titlist Daniel Valladares ended in a No-Contest. A clash of heads left Valladares wobbly and unable to continue, with referee Chris Flores advised by the ringside physician to wave off the contest at 2:48 of round three into the title fight Friday at EDION Arena in Osaka, Japan.

The fight was declared a No-Contest (though initially announced as a technical draw) since four rounds were not completed, the minimum requirement to go to the scorecards. 

Shigeoka showed in a hurry why there was so much hype surrounding his young career. The unbeaten boxer aimed to win a major title in just his ninth pro fight and—at just 5'0"—become the sport's shortest major titlist in the process. The 23-year-old Tokyo went to work right away, establishing a body attack as well as his compact but potent left hand. 

Valladares did his best to impose his will on Shigeoka. The 28-year-old from Monterrey, Mexico—fighting outside of his home country for the first time as a pro—was unable to keep his unbeaten challenger at bay. Shigoeka was steady with his left hand upstairs, jumping out to a strong start through nearly three rounds of action.

The fight then ended in an instant. 

Action halted with less than 15 seconds to go in round three, when Valladares drove forward headfirst and slammed into Shigeoka's left eye and cheek. Shigeoka was left with swelling under his eye but it was Valladares who complained of dizzying as time was called. The ringside physician examined Valladares before deciding that the fight was no longer able to proceed. 

Both fighters were reduced to tears at fight's end. Valladares sat on a stool as his training team tended to the defending titlist. On the opposite side of the ring, Shigeoka sobbed in his corner while his back was turned and head lowered in disappointment over being denied the title. 

Valladares is credited with the first defense of his IBF strawweight title as his record moved to 26-3-1 (15KOs) with one No-Contest. Shigeoka (8-0, 6KOs; 1NC) remained unbeaten but leaves without the IBF belt to show for his strong effort. 

A rematch would seem to be the best course of action. However, an IBF ruling stipulated that former titlist Rene Mark Cuarto—who lost the belt to Valladares via disputed twelve-round, split decision last July—is owed a mandatory title shot. For now, that would mean a Valladares-Cuarto rematch, with Shigeoka presumably due to get the winner—if there is any justice. 

Valladares-Shigeoka aired live on Abema TV in Japan as part of a title fight doubleheader including the Masataka Taniguchi-Melvin Jerusalem WBO strawweight title clash.

Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox