Two Japanese boxers have tragically died from brain injuries sustained during separate bouts on the same fight card at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall on Aug. 2.
Shigetoshi Kotari, 28, fought to a 12-round draw against Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation junior lightweight champion Yamato Hata. Shortly after the fight, Kotari lost consciousness and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors performed emergency surgery for a subdural hematoma, bleeding between the skull and brain. On Friday, it was announced that he had died from his injuries.
“Rest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari,” the World Boxing Organization posted. “The boxing world mourns the tragic passing of Japanese fighter Shigetoshi Kotari, who succumbed to injuries sustained during his August 2nd title fight. A warrior in the ring. A fighter in spirit. Gone too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, team, and the entire Japanese boxing community.”
Hiromasa Urakawa, also 28, suffered a similar fate. He was knocked out by Yoji Saito and underwent a craniotomy to treat a subdural hematoma. Despite the surgery, Urakawa passed away on Saturday.
“The WBO mourns the passing of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during his fight against Yoji Saito on August 2 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo,” the WBO said in a statement.
“This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from injuries suffered in his fight on the same card. We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time.”
The World Boxing Council also expressed grief over Kotari’s death. “The WBC and its President, Mauricio Sulaiman, deeply mourn this irreparable loss and wish his family and friends strength during this difficult time,” the statement read.
The tragedies have sparked immediate changes. The Japanese Boxing Commission has announced that all OPBF title bouts will now be limited to 10 rounds instead of 12.
This is not the first time the sport has faced such heartbreak this year. In February, 28-year-old Irish super-featherweight John Cooney died from a brain injury after being stopped in his first Celtic title defense.
