Introduction to Tragedy in Boxing
Two Japanese boxers died within days of each other after suffering brain injuries in separate battles during the same combat card. The World Boxing Federation confirmed the deaths, which took place on August 2 in Tokyo’s legendary Korakuen Hall. These deaths have once again sparked an urgent debate about the safety of boxing in Japan, particularly the duration of medical protocols for fighters.
What We Know About the Boxers’ Deaths
The 28-year-old Shigetoshi Kotari collapsed shortly after completing a strenuous 12-round draw against Junior Lightweight Champion Yamato Hata on August 2. He underwent an emergency operation due to a subdural hematoma, a life-threatening condition also known as brain bleeding, which occurs between the brain and the skull. Unfortunately, Kotari died on Friday. The World Boxing Council confirmed that Kotari’s death was directly associated with injuries suffered during the fight.
Just a day later, Hiromasa Urakawa, also 28, died after suffering the same kind of brain injury during a knockout loss against Yoji Saito. The light fighter was eliminated in the eighth and last round and underwent a craniotomy to save his life.
Tributes to the Boxers
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) recognized Kotari on social media, stating, "The boxing world mourns the loss of the tragic death of Japanese fighter Shigetoshi Kotari, who suffered injuries during his title fight on August 2." The WBO described Kotari as "a warrior in the ring. A fighter in the spirit. Gone too early." Kotari’s gym also published a warm statement on their website, saying, "He gave everything – struggling through operations and treatment in a hospital in Tokyo after suffering an acute subdural hematoma. He never stopped fighting."
After Urakawa’s death, the WBO published a separate message extending their "deepest condolences" to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time.
Reaction from Japan’s Boxing Regulation
Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, Secretary General of the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC), informed local media that "two fighters were probably subjected to injuries for the first time in Japan." In response to this, the JBC announced that all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation title fights would be shortened from 12 rounds to 10. The death of Urakawa is the third boxing-related death worldwide this year due to in-ring injuries.
Calls for Closer Supervision
The deaths have led to increased calls for closer supervision of boxing in Japan and internationally. Proponents are advocating for shorter combat times, mandatory medical scans after fights, and stricter enforcement of brain concussion protocols. The Irish boxer John Cooney died last year after being hospitalized following his defeat in the Celtic super spring weight against Nathan Howells in Belfast. He had suffered a serious brain injury during the fight. These incidents highlight the need for improved safety measures in boxing to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
