The Japanese boxing world is reeling after two fighters died from brain injuries sustained in separate matches on the same fight card at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall.
On August 2, Shigetoshi Kotari, 28, collapsed moments after completing a 12-round draw against Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) junior lightweight champion Yamato Hata. He was rushed to hospital for emergency brain surgery to treat a subdural hematoma — bleeding between the brain and skull — but died on Friday. The World Boxing Organization paid tribute, calling Kotari “a warrior in the ring” and offering condolences to his family and the Japanese boxing community.
Just a day later, tragedy struck again. Hiromasa Urakawa, also 28, suffered the same injury during a knockout loss to Yoji Saito. Despite undergoing a craniotomy in a desperate attempt to save his life, Urakawa died on Saturday. The WBO described the back-to-back losses as “heartbreaking” and extended its deepest sympathies to the families and fans.
In the wake of the incidents, the Japanese Boxing Commission announced that all OPBF title fights will be shortened from 12 rounds to 10 in a move aimed at enhancing fighter safety.
The double tragedy comes just months after Irish boxer John Cooney died following injuries in his Celtic super-featherweight title bout, reigniting concerns over the dangers of the sport and the urgent need for stricter safety measures.