Two Japanese boxers suffered fatal brain injuries during the same boxing event
In a series of unfortunate events, the boxing world has been hit hard by three fatalities involving brain injuries this year. The latest tragedy occurred in Japan, where two 28-year-old boxers, Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, died days apart after sustaining injuries in separate bouts held on the same fight card at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall on August 2, 2025.
On August 2, Shigetoshi Kotari, the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation junior lightweight champion, fought a 12-round draw against Yamato Hata. Shortly after the bout, Kotari collapsed and was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery for a subdural hematoma (bleeding between the brain and skull). Despite the surgery, Kotari passed away on August 8.
Hiromasa Urakawa, who suffered a knockout loss to Yoji Saito, underwent a craniotomy (a surgical procedure in which a portion of the skull is removed to access the brain) in an attempt to save his life, but he too passed away soon after.
The Japanese Boxing Commission (JBC) has responded quickly to these tragic events, announcing that all OPBF title bouts will now be reduced from 12 rounds to 10 in an effort to enhance fighter safety. The JBC also plans to hold an emergency meeting on August 12 to discuss medical protocols, pre-fight conditioning, and preventive measures such as dehydration management, which can increase the risk of brain injury.
In Ireland, earlier in 2025, John Cooney, an Irish boxer, died about a week after being hospitalized following his defeat in a Celtic super-featherweight title fight in Belfast. He suffered an intracranial hemorrhage, causing his death.
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has expressed their condolences for the deaths of both Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, describing the news as heartbreaking. The WBO also stated that Kotari was a warrior in the ring and a fighter in spirit, while his death was tragic and occurred too soon. Similarly, the WBO expressed their thoughts and prayers to Kotari's family, team, and the entire Japanese boxing community.
The WBO also expressed their condolences for Hiromasa Urakawa's death, calling it a tragic loss for the boxing community. The WBO's thoughts and prayers are with Urakawa's family, team, and the Japanese boxing community.
These recent incidents have highlighted the need for increased safety measures in the sport of boxing, and the Japanese Boxing Commission is taking steps to address this issue. The WBO, along with the boxing community, continues to mourn the losses of these three boxers and hopes for a safer future for all athletes in the sport.
References:
- NBC News
- The Guardian
- ESPN
- BBC News
- The Irish Times
Breaking news: The science community is calling for enhanced health and wellness protocols in boxing, citing the recent string of medical-conditions and fatalities, including the deaths of Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa. Meanwhile, the sports world is in mourning, with the World Boxing Organization (WBO) expressing condolences and calling for action to ensure greater safety for athletes.
