JAKARTA - Two Japanese boxers have died from brain injuries sustained in separate bouts at the same event at Korakuen Hall, Tokyo.
Shigetoshi Kotari (28) collapsed shortly after completing a 12-round bout against Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) junior lightweight champion Yamato Hata on August 2.
As reported by Al Jazeera on Sunday, August 10, Kotari underwent emergency surgery for a subdural hematoma, a condition where blood collects between the brain and skull. However, his life could not be saved, and he died on Friday.
"Rest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari," wrote the World Boxing Organization (WBO) on social media. "The boxing world mourns the loss of this Japanese fighter, who passed away from injuries sustained in their title bout on August 2. A warrior in the ring, a warrior in spirit, gone too soon. Our thoughts are with his family, team, and the entire Japanese boxing community."
A day later, on Saturday, boxer Hiromasa Urakawa (28) also died from similar injuries during a knockout loss to Yoji Saito. Urakawa underwent a craniotomy in an attempt to save his life, but the attempt was unsuccessful.
"This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who was also injured in a fight at the same event," the WBO wrote in a separate statement. "We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the Japanese boxing community at this difficult time."
In response to the incident, the Japan Boxing Commission decided to reduce the length of all OPBF title bouts from 12 rounds to 10.
Earlier this year, Irish boxer John Cooney died a week after being in intensive care following his loss in a Celtic super-featherweight title bout in Belfast to Nathan Howells.
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