Two Japanese boxers die from brain injuries in separate bouts
Shigetoshi Kotari, 28, collapsed shortly after completing a 12-round draw against Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation junior lightweight champion Yamato Hata on Aug. 2.
He underwent emergency brain surgery for a subdural hematoma — a condition where blood collects between the brain and skull— but died on Friday.
'Rest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari,' the World Boxing Organization wrote on social media. '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. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, team, and the entire Japanese boxing community.'
On Saturday, fellow 28-year-old Hiromasa Urakawa died after suffering the same injury during a knockout loss to Yoji Saito. He had undergone a craniotomy in an attempt to save his life.
'This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from injuries suffered in his fight on the same card,' the WBO said in another social media post on Saturday. 'We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time.'
In response, the Japanese Boxing Commission has announced all OPBF title bouts will now be reduced from 12 rounds to 10.
Earlier this year, Irish boxer John Cooney died a week after being taken into intensive care following his Celtic super-featherweight title defeat to Nathan Howells in Belfast.
___
AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Winnipeg Free Press
28 minutes ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Venus Williams gets a wild-card entry to play singles at the US Open at age 45
NEW YORK (AP) — Venus Williams gets a wild-card entry to play singles at the US Open at age 45.
Winnipeg Free Press
28 minutes ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Venus Williams gets a US Open wild card at age 45 and will be the oldest in singles since 1981
NEW YORK (AP) — Venus Williams will make her return to Grand Slam tennis at the U.S. Open after a two-year absence, receiving a wild-card invitation on Wednesday to compete in singles at Flushing Meadows at age 45. The American will be the oldest entrant in singles at the tournament since Renee Richards was 47 in 1981, according to the International Tennis Federation. Williams already had been given a wild-card entry by the U.S. Tennis Association for next week's mixed doubles competition. Singles matches begin in New York on Aug. 24. She is the owner of seven major singles championships — including at the U.S. Open in 2000 and 2001 — along with another 14 in women's doubles, all won with her younger sister, Serena, plus two in mixed doubles. Serena retired with 23 Slam singles trophies after playing at the 2022 U.S. Open. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. ___ AP tennis:
Winnipeg Free Press
28 minutes ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
David Booth's $300 million gift to Kansas: How it will transform the stadium and Gateway District
LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas has received a $300 million gift from donor David Booth, the largest in school history and believed to be among the richest in the history of college sports. Booth, a graduate of Lawrence High School and KU, already has his name on the football stadium. Kansas was expected to allocate $75 million toward the next phase of the renovation of the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and additional construction of the surrounding area, called the Gateway District. Kansas athletic director Travis Goff said the remainder of the gift was expected to generate a stream of income for the athletic department that could last for generations. 'There is no more generous and impactful Jayhawk, and we are so fortunate to call him a friend and mentor,' Goff said. The Gateway District's next phase was expected to add a hotel, additional retail and restaurant spaces, student housing, improved parking and an outdoor event plaza. Booth is founder of global investment firm Dimensional Fund Advisors, which managed $853 billion in assets as of June 30. The longtime benefactor made a $50 million pledge in 2017 to help with the overhaul of the football stadium, which at the time was the largest donation in KU history. He has given several other financial gifts to the university, including $4.3 million to buy and donate James Naismith's original rules of basketball. 'KU and Lawrence are a big part of my story, and it means a lot to support the community that invested in me,' Booth said. 'Philanthropy, like investing, pays dividends over time.' The Kansas football team played six games last season in the Kansas City area while the stadium underwent renovations. The Jayhawks are set to play their first game at Memorial Stadium on Aug. 23 against Fresno State. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: and
