TOKYO: Two Japanese professional boxers have died from severe brain injuries sustained during separate fights at a Tokyo boxing event on August 2, according to global boxing authorities.
The World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) confirmed the deaths of Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, both aged 28.
Kotari, competing in a 12-round title match against Yamato Hata for the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) super featherweight title, lost consciousness after the bout ended in a draw. He was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery to treat a subdural hematoma — a life-threatening brain bleed often caused by head trauma.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán expressed condolences on social media, calling the tragedy “a ring accident” and urging continued research to make boxing safer.
Urakawa suffered similar head trauma during a six-round fight with Yoji Saito on the same night. He underwent a craniotomy but later died from his injuries, the Japan Boxing Commission confirmed.
The WBO also issued a statement mourning the losses and extending sympathy to the fighters’ families and Japan’s boxing community.
Safety Changes After Tragedy
In response, the Japan Boxing Commission has reduced OPBF title bouts from 12 rounds to 10 rounds in an effort to improve fighter safety.
