Two Japanese boxers, Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, have died after suffering brain injuries sustained in separate bouts at a Tokyo event. Both 28-year-old fighters underwent emergency surgery for subdural hematomas but did not survive.
The World Boxing Organization paid tribute to Kotari, calling him “a warrior in the ring” who passed away on Friday after his title fight loss to Yamato Hata. Urakawa died on Saturday after suffering a similar injury during his knockout loss to Yoji Daito. The organization extended condolences to their families and the Japanese boxing community.
Following the tragedy, the Japanese Boxing Commission announced plans to reduce OPBF title bouts from 12 rounds to 10. An investigation into the deaths has been launched, with a meeting set for September to discuss the matter further. This incident is the latest in a series of high-profile boxing deaths in 2025, including Irish boxer John Cooney who died after being taken into intensive care following his title defeat in February.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/japanese-boxers-brain-injury-shigetoshi-kotari-hiromasa-urakawa