Two Japanese boxers died from mind accidents sustained in separate bouts at an occasion in Tokyo earlier this month.
Shigetoshi Kotari, 28, collapsed shortly after finishing a 12-round draw in opposition to Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation junior light-weight champion Yamato Hata on Aug. 2. He underwent emergency mind surgical procedure for a subdural hematoma — a situation the place blood collects between the mind and the cranium. He died on Friday.
“Relaxation in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari,” the World Boxing Group wrote on social media. “The boxing world mourns the tragic passing of Japanese fighter Shigetoshi Kotari, who succumbed to accidents sustained throughout his August 2nd title battle.
“A warrior within the ring. A fighter in spirit. Gone too quickly. Our ideas and prayers are together with his household, workforce, and all the Japanese boxing neighborhood.”
On Saturday, 28-year-old Hiromasa Urakawa died after struggling the identical damage throughout a knockout loss to Yoji Daito. He had undergone a craniotomy in an try to save lots of his life.
“This heartbreaking information comes simply days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from accidents suffered in his battle on the identical card,” the WBO mentioned in one other social media submit on Saturday. “We lengthen our deepest condolences to the households, buddies, and the Japanese boxing neighborhood throughout this extremely tough time.”
Following the occasion at Tokyo’s Korakuen Corridor, the Japanese Boxing Fee introduced all OPBF title bouts shall be diminished from 12 rounds to 10.
The Japan Boxing Fee (JBC), gymnasium homeowners and different boxing officers are beneath strain to behave and can maintain an emergency assembly on Tuesday, French information company AFP studies. They’re additionally anticipated to have talks about security subsequent month, native media mentioned.
“We’re aware of our duty because the supervisor of the game,” Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, secretary-general of the JBC, advised reporters Sunday, in response to AFP. “We’ll take no matter measures we are able to.”
These are the most recent high-profile boxing deaths in 2025. In February, Irish boxer John Cooney died every week after being taken into intensive care after his Celtic super-featherweight title defeat to Nathan Howells in Belfast. The 28-year-old suffered an intracranial hemorrhage through the bout.
