Two Japanese boxers have sadly died from brain injuries they got in separate fights on the same night in Tokyo at Korakuen Hall.
Shigetoshi Kotari, only 28 years old, collapsed right after finishing a 12-round draw against Yamato Hata, the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) junior lightweight champion, on August 2.
He had emergency surgery for a subdural hematoma, where blood gathers between the brain and skull, but unfortunately, he passed away on Friday.
Boxing Community In Mourning
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) shared, “Rest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari.”
They expressed their sadness, saying, “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.”
Support and prayers were offered for his family, team, and Japan’s boxing community.
Just a day later, Hiromasa Urakawa, also 28, died from the same injury after a knockout loss to Yoji Saito. He, too, had a craniotomy as doctors tried to save him.
The WBO, deeply affected, remarked, “This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from injuries suffered in his fight on the same card.” They sent sincere condolences to their families, friends, and all those connected to Japanese boxing.
Following these events, the Japanese Boxing Commission decided that all OPBF title fights will now be shortened from 12 rounds to 10 rounds.
Recent Similar Incidents
Earlier this year, another tragedy struck when Irish boxer John Cooney died a week after being hospitalized following his match for the Celtic super-featherweight title against Nathan Howells in Belfast.
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