Two Japanese boxers tragically lost their lives due to brain injuries sustained during separate bouts on the same card at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall. On August 2, 28-year-old Shigetoshi Kotari collapsed after fighting to a 12-round draw against Yamato Hata, the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation junior lightweight champion. Despite undergoing emergency brain surgery to address a subdural hematoma, Kotari passed away shortly thereafter on Friday. The World Boxing Organisation expressed its sorrow on social media, commending Kotari as a warrior in the ring and extending condolences to his family and the broader Japanese boxing community.
On the following Saturday, another 28-year-old boxer, Hiromasa Urakawa, died after suffering a similar injury during a knockout loss to Yoji Saito. He underwent a craniotomy in hopes of saving his life, but it was unfortunately too late. The WBO shared its heartbreak regarding Urakawa’s passing, emphasizing the profound loss felt across the boxing world and reiterating support for the affected families and community.
In light of these recent tragedies, the Japanese Boxing Commission has announced a significant policy change, reducing the length of all OPBF title bouts from 12 rounds to 10 in an effort to enhance safety for fighters. These incidents bring to mind previous tragedies in the sport, such as the death of Irish boxer John Cooney earlier this year, highlighting ongoing concerns over athlete safety in boxing.