Tragedy Strikes in Tokyo Boxing Ring

August 10, 2025 — In a heartbreaking turn of events, two 28-year-old Japanese boxers, Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, have died following severe brain injuries sustained during separate fights on the same card at Tokyo's Korakuen Hall. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the boxing community and raised urgent questions about the safety of the sport.

Kotari, who was competing against the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation junior lightweight champion Yamato Hata, collapsed shortly after completing a 12-round draw. He was later taken to the hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery for a subdural haematoma — a condition involving bleeding inside the skull. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, Kotari succumbed to his injuries on Friday.

Urakawa, who faced a tough battle against Yoji Saito and was knocked out, was also taken to the hospital for the same condition. He suffered a similar injury and, despite undergoing a craniotomy in an attempt to save his life, passed away on Saturday.

Both boxers were in their prime, with bright futures ahead of them. Their deaths have left a deep void in the boxing world, and their families and friends are reeling from the loss.

In response to the tragedy, the Japanese Boxing Commission has announced immediate changes to the sport's rules. All Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title bouts will now be reduced from 12 rounds to 10, in an effort to mitigate the risk of such injuries in the future.

Both the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and the World Boxing Council (WBC) have expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of two promising athletes. The WBC, in a statement, said, “We deeply mourn this irreparable loss and wish his family and friends strength during this difficult time.”

This is not the first time such a tragedy has occurred in the sport. Earlier this year, 28-year-old Irish boxer John Cooney died a week after being taken into intensive care following a defeat in Belfast. These incidents have sparked a global conversation about the need for stricter safety measures in boxing.

The boxing community now faces a critical moment to reflect on the risks of the sport and to implement necessary changes to protect athletes. As the families of Kotari and Urakawa grieve, the world watches closely, hoping that this tragedy will lead to meaningful reforms in the sport.