Two Japanese Boxers Die After Suffering Brain Injuries on Same Card
In a tragic turn of events, two Japanese boxers, Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, have died following brain injuries sustained during fights on the same card at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo on August 2.
Kotari, 28, was involved in a 12-round draw against Yamato Hata, but lost consciousness shortly after the fight.
He underwent brain surgery to treat a subdural hematoma, a condition in which blood collects between the skull and the brain.
Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries on Friday.
Urakawa, also 28, died on Saturday after suffering a brain injury in his knockout loss to Yoji Saito.
He underwent a craniotomy to treat a subdural hematoma, but ultimately did not recover.
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) expressed their condolences on social media, stating, “The boxing world mourns the tragic passing of Japanese fighter Shigetoshi Kotari, who succumbed to injuries sustained during his August 2nd title fight.
A warrior in the ring.
A fighter in spirit.
Gone too soon.”
The Japanese Boxing Commission has since announced that all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation title bouts will be reduced to 10 rounds instead of 12, effective immediately.