Japanese Boxing Commission announces urgent safety reforms after deaths of Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa
Two boxers died following Tokyo battles on the same day, leaving Japanese boxing enthusiasts speechless. On August 2, 2025, at Korakuen Hall, twenty-eight-year-old Shigetoshi Kotari and twenty-eight-year-old Hiromasa Urakawa both suffered severe head trauma in separate contests.
While Hiromasa Urakawa was knocked out in the eighth round against Yoji Saito, Shigetoshi Kotari collapsed after his 12-round OPBF super-featherweight title fight ended in a draw. They both were taken to a hospital for immediate brain surgery. Despite doctors' efforts, Kotari passed away on August 8, and Urakawa died the following day. The Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) has now announced urgent safety reforms.
Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa Spark Immediate Rule Change
Shigetoshi Kotari's battle against Yamato Hata had been fought fiercely, yet shortly after the last bell he crashed in his corner and was found to have an acute subdural hemorrhage.
Earlier in the evening, Hiromasa Urakawa's match had ended suddenly after a vicious right hand from Saito knocked him too stunned to keep on.
He also had the same kind of brain damage. The two tragedies, which only hours apart at the same location, rocked the boxing scene in Japan.
Within days, the JBC confirmed that all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title fights in Japan will now be limited to 10 rounds instead of 12.
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The same rule will apply to WBO Asia Pacific title bouts held in the country. Officials hope this change will reduce the physical toll on fighters and lower the risk of severe injury.
Also Read:
Shigetoshi Kotari Passes Away At 28 After Tragic Brain Injury Following Fight Against Yamato Hata
JBC steps up with emergency meeting and broader safety review
JBC Secretary-General Tsuyoshi Yasukochi said that on August 12 an emergency meeting with gym leaders, coaches, and medical experts will be held to go over more safety precautions.
Possible changes comprise stricter enforcement of pre-fight weight checks as present regulations enable significant weight gain following weigh-ins without punishment.
Yasukochi said,
'What happened is deeply serious. We will listen to everyone involved and take any step we can to prevent this from happening again.'
This is the third boxing-related death in Japan in less than two years, following Kazuki Anaguchi's death in February 2024 following a December 2023 fight.
The commission claims it is committed to guaranteeing that boxers' safety continues to come first in the future of the sport.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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