Two Japanese boxers die from brain injuries after fighting on same card
Shigetoshi Kotari died on Friday, a day before it was announced Hiromasa Urakawa had passed away after both 28-year-olds fought in separate bouts at Korakuen Hall on August 2.
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The Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) said on August 4 that both fighters had undergone surgery for subdural hematoma, a condition where blood collects between the skull and surface of the brain.
Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the World Boxing Council (WBC) said on Saturday: 'The boxing world is in shock and deep sorrow for the tragic deaths of two boxers who fought in the same card in Japan. May they rest in peace and their inspiration serve to all to work on finding ways to protect our boxers of the world.'
Fighting for the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) super featherweight title, Kotari drew with Yamato Hata over 12 rounds. The WBC said he lost consciousness after the fight and underwent emergency brain surgery.
Rest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari 🕊️
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… pic.twitter.com/PjZtDyBIU2
— WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) August 8, 2025
The WBC added: 'The boxing world mourns the tragic passing of Japanese fighter Shigetoshi Kotari, who succumbed to injuries sustained during his August 2 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.'
Urakawa was knocked out in the eighth round of his featherweight fight by Yoji Saito and the JBC said he underwent a craniotomy after being rushed to hospital.
The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) said it 'mourns the passing of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during his fight against Yoji Saito on August 2 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.'
The WBO mourns the passing of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during his fight against Yoji Saito on August 2 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.
This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from… pic.twitter.com/CDzoSmKU2d
— WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) August 9, 2025
The WBO added: 'This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from injuries suffered in his fight on the same card. We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time.'
The JBC later said OPBF bouts will now be fought over 10 rounds, instead of 12.
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Japanese media outlet Sponichi have quoted Minoru Hagiwara, the president of the OPBF, expressing condolences for the deaths of Kotari and Urakawa and saying an investigation would take place.
In February, super-featherweight Irish boxer John Cooney, also 28, died after sustaining an intracranial haemorrhage from his fight with Nathan Howells in Belfast.
(MATTHIEU DELATY/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)
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