Boxing fans in Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall were hit with heartbreaking news as two young Japanese fighters, Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, died from brain injuries sustained in separate bouts on the same night. 💔🙏
On August 2, 28-year-old Kotari faced OPBF junior lightweight champ Yamato Hata in a 12-round title fight that ended in a draw. Shortly after the final bell, Kotari collapsed and was rushed into emergency surgery for a subdural hematoma—basically, bleeding between the brain and skull. Despite doctors’ best efforts, he passed away days later.
Just one evening after Kotari’s passing, 28-year-old Urakawa suffered a similar fate. After a knockout loss to Yoji Saito, he also battled a severe subdural hematoma. A craniotomy couldn’t save him, and he too lost his life.
The World Boxing Organization expressed its sorrow on social media: "The boxing world mourns the tragic passing of Japanese fighter Shigetoshi Kotari … We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time."
These back-to-back losses have sparked urgent calls for fighter safety. In response, the Japanese Boxing Commission announced that all OPBF title bouts will now be shortened from 12 rounds to 10. This move aims to reduce the risk of cumulative head trauma and give athletes a better chance to walk away in one piece.
This tragedy is a tough reminder of boxing’s risks, but it also shows the sport’s commitment to protecting its athletes. As the boxing fam processes these losses, hearts and gloves unite in mourning and in the push for safer rings. 🥊✊
Reference(s):
Two Japanese boxers die from brain injuries in separate bouts
cgtn.com
