Two Japanese boxers have tragically lost their lives after sustaining severe brain injuries in separate matches on the same fight card at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall.
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Shigetoshi Kotari, 28, collapsed shortly after completing a 12-round draw against Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation junior lightweight champion Yamato Hata on August 2. He underwent emergency brain surgery for a subdural hematoma, a condition in which blood collects between the brain and the skull, but passed away on Friday.
“Rest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari,” the World Boxing Organization wrote on social media. “The boxing world mourns the tragic passing of Japanese fighter Shigetoshi Kotari, who succumbed to injuries sustained during his August 2 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.”
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Just a day later, on Saturday, fellow 28-year-old boxer Hiromasa Urakawa died after suffering the same type of injury during a knockout loss to Yoji Saito. He had undergone a craniotomy in an attempt to save his life.
“This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from injuries suffered in his fight on the same card,” the WBO said in another social media post. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time.”
In response to these tragedies, the Japanese Boxing Commission has announced that all OPBF title bouts will now be reduced from 12 rounds to 10 rounds.
