Two Japanese Boxers Die Days Apart After Brain Injuries in Separate Bouts

The Japanese boxing community is mourning the loss of two fighters Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa who both died from brain injuries sustained on the same card at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo on August 2.

Kotari, 28, fought to a 12 round draw against Yamato Hata for the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation junior lightweight title. Shortly after the fight, he lost consciousness and was rushed to the hospital. Doctors performed surgery for a subdural hematoma bleeding between the skull and the brain but Kotari passed away days later.

“Rest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari,“ the World Boxing Organization wrote on social media. “A warrior in the ring. A fighter in spirit. Gone too soon.”

Hiromasa Urakawa

Just one day after Kotari’s death, news broke that Urakawa, also 28, had died from similar injuries. He suffered a knockout loss to Yoji Saito and was diagnosed with the same type of brain bleed. Urakawa underwent a craniotomy but did not recover.

“This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari… We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time,” the WBO said.

A Community in Mourning

The rare and devastating occurrence of two deaths from separate fights on the same event card has sent shockwaves through Japanese boxing. Both fighters were respected competitors, and their passing has renewed discussions around safety protocols in the sport. Hopefully the sport doesn’t have to endure such a tragic  situation like this again. Rest in peace to the two warriors that gave their lives to the sport that they loved.