Japan’s boxing community is in shock after two fighters died from brain injuries sustained in separate bouts at the same event in Tokyo — an unprecedented tragedy for the sport in the country.
Super featherweight Shigetoshi Kotari and lightweight Hiromasa Urakawa, both aged 28, fought on August 2 at the iconic Korakuen Hall. Hours later, both were rushed to hospital for emergency brain surgery.
Kotari had gone the distance, drawing after 12 rounds with Yamato Hata, but collapsed soon after. He died at 10:59pm on August 8 from acute subdural haematoma, his M.T Boxing Gym confirmed.
“He fought through surgery and treatment but could not recover,” the gym said.
Urakawa was stopped in the eighth round against Yoji Saito. Days later, he too succumbed to his injuries. The World Boxing Organisation confirmed his death on Saturday night, describing it as “heartbreaking” and offering condolences to both fighters’ families and the Japanese boxing fraternity.
“This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari,” the WBO said.
Japan Boxing Commission Secretary-General Tsuyoshi Yasukochi said it was likely the first time in Japan’s history that two boxers required skull-opening surgery for injuries from the same event.
The double tragedy has sparked fresh conversations about safety protocols in the sport — and whether the dangers are rising in high-intensity match-ups.
