Two Japanese boxers, Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, have died from brain injuries sustained during separate bouts at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall.
Kotari, a 28-year-old boxer, collapsed shortly after his 12-round draw with Yamato Hata for the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) junior lightweight title.
He was rushed to the hospital and underwent emergency brain surgery for a subdural hematoma, bleeding between the brain and skull, but passed away on Friday.
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“A warrior in the ring. A fighter in spirit. Gone too soon,” the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) posted on social media, offering condolences to Kotari’s family and the Japanese boxing community.
Urakawa suffered the same injury during a knockout loss to Yoji Saito on the same card. The 28-year-old underwent a craniotomy in an attempt to save his life, but died days later.
“This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari,” the WBO said in a follow-up tribute. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time.”
In response, the Japan Boxing Commission has announced that all OPBF title bouts will be reduced from 12 rounds to 10.
