Tragedy has struck the Japanese boxing community as two fighters; Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, both aged 28, died days apart from brain injuries sustained during separate bouts held at the same event in Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall on August 2.
Both boxers were taken to hospital following their fights and underwent emergency brain surgeries, but sadly succumbed to their injuries.
Shigetoshi Kotari, a super featherweight, collapsed shortly after completing a grueling 12-round match that ended in a draw against Yamato Hata.
According to a statement on his M.T Boxing Gym’s website, Kotari lost consciousness and never recovered.
“He did his best to fight his way through the surgery and treatment he had been receiving at a Tokyo hospital due to acute subdural haematoma,” the statement said.
“He passed away at 10:59 p.m. on August 8.”
Meanwhile, Hiromasa Urakawa, who fought in the lightweight division, was stopped in the eighth and final round of his match against Yoji Saito. He, too, was hospitalized after sustaining severe injuries during the bout.
His death was confirmed by the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) on Sunday via Instagram.
“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.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community.”
Japanese media report that Urakawa died on Saturday night, just hours after Kotari’s passing.
Speaking earlier about the rare and devastating incident, Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, Secretary-General of the Japan Boxing Commission, said:
“It is likely the first time in Japan two fighters underwent skull-opening surgery for injuries stemming from the same event.”
The back-to-back deaths have stunned the boxing world and renewed concerns over fighter safety in the sport.
