Two Japanese Boxers Die From Brain Injuries After Competing at the Same Event
A devastating double tragedy has shaken the boxing world in Japan after two athletes died from injuries sustained during bouts on the same night at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall.
On August 2, 28-year-old Shigetoshi Kotari and fellow boxer Hiromasa Urakawa each suffered severe brain trauma in separate fights on the same card. Despite emergency surgeries and days of critical care, both men succumbed to their injuries within 24 hours of each other.
Kotari, a featherweight contender with a professional record of 8 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, had just gone the distance in a 12-round contest against OPBF junior lightweight champion Yamato Hata. Moments after the fight ended in a draw, Kotari collapsed. Doctors later confirmed he had a subdural hematoma—bleeding between the brain and skull. He passed away on August 8.
Urakawa, 10-4 with seven knockouts in the lightweight division, faced Yoji Saito that same evening. He was knocked out during the fight and rushed to the hospital for an emergency craniotomy. Despite surgical intervention, he died on August 9.
The Japanese Boxing Commission has since announced that all OPBF title fights will be shortened from 12 rounds to 10 in light of the incidents.
Tributes have poured in from across the sport. The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) honored both fighters in separate statements, describing Kotari as “a warrior in the ring” and Urakawa as a valued member of Japan’s boxing community.
Both men had shared their excitement for the event on social media before the fights. Kotari wrote, “Finally the time has come… Bet it all and go win. I will definitely be a champion.” Urakawa posted, “2025, I’m only going to focus on winning. Thank you for your support this year.”
Their untimely deaths have left fans, friends, and fellow fighters mourning two determined athletes whose dreams ended in the same ring, just hours apart.