Tokyo, August 2025 — The boxing world is reeling after a rare and devastating occurrence: two Japanese boxers, Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, both aged 28, have died from brain injuries sustained during separate matches on the same fight card at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall on August 2.
A Double Heartbreak
- Shigetoshi Kotari, contesting in a 12-round Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) junior lightweight title bout against Yamato Hata, fought to a draw. Shortly after exiting the ring, he collapsed and underwent emergency surgery for a subdural hematoma—a severe brain bleed. He tragically passed away on August 8.People.comWikipediaABC
- Just one day after Kotari’s death, Hiromasa Urakawa, who had been knocked out in the eighth round by Yoji Saito, also succumbed to a similar brain injury. He too underwent surgery but died on August 9.People.comWikipediaDW News
The deaths prompted a flurry of official responses and tributes from global boxing organizations.
Condolences from the Boxing Community
- The World Boxing Organization (WBO) described both fighters as “warriors in the ring” and extended “deepest condolences” to their families and the Japanese boxing community.People.comOnmanorama
- The World Boxing Council (WBC) mourned Kotari’s passing as “irreparable,” expressing sorrow for the loss.thejakartapost.comSouth China Morning Post
Safety Measures Underway
Japanese authorities moved swiftly:
- The Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) announced an emergency meeting and immediate reforms, including reducing all OPBF title bouts from 12 to 10 rounds.Bad Left HookThe Guardianthejakartapost.com
- Additional safety protocols under consideration include pre-fight hydration tests, tightening rules around rapid weight-cutting, enhanced ringside medical readiness (mandatory ambulances and designated emergency hospitals), and guidelines on sparring schedules before fights.The Guardian
JBC Secretary-General Tsuyoshi Yasukochi emphasized, “We are acutely aware of our responsibility… We will take whatever measures we can.”thejakartapost.comThe Guardian
Wider Alarm Over Boxing Safety
The tragedy marks Japan’s most shocking boxing moment in recent years and adds to growing global concerns over the sport’s safety:
- Earlier this year, Ginjiro Shigeoka suffered a serious head injury in May and was forced to retire after surgery.Bad Left HookWikipedia
- Last year, Kazuki Anaguchi, a promising bantamweight, succumbed to a brain injury weeks after his bout.The GuardianReddit
The occurrence of two fatalities from the same event in such close succession is unprecedented in Japanese boxing and has rapidly escalated calls for reform.
What’s Next for Boxing in Japan?
| Challenge | Response / Reform |
|---|---|
| Fatal brain injuries during contests | OPBF title bouts reduced from 12 to 10 rounds |
| Rapid weight cutting concerns | Hydration testing & weight recovery caps (max 10%) between weigh-in and fight day |
| Emergency response insufficiencies | Mandatory ambulances and pre-designated hospital support at venues |
| Sparring and preparation concerns | Review and regulation of pre-fight sparring schedules |
As Japan’s boxing officials carry out these reforms, world boxing looks on with guarded hope that these changes may help prevent future tragedies. The loss of Kotari and Urakawa will be felt not only in Japan, but across the global boxing family—spurring collective reflection and commitment to fighter safety.
