Latest news with #Kotari
DW
21 hours ago
- Health
- DW
Japan: Two boxers die from brain injuries at Tokyo event – DW – 08/10/2025
The Japanese athletes, both 28 years old, were rushed into emergency surgery after competing in separate bouts on August 2. Two Japanese boxers have died within days of each other after sustaining brain injuries in separate bouts on the same fight card. The World Boxing Federation on Saturday confirmed the deaths, which occurred at Tokyo's iconic Korakuen Hall on August 2. The deaths have reignited urgent debate over boxing safety regulations in Japan — especially the duration of fights and ringside medical protocols. Shigetoshi Kotari, 28, collapsed shortly after completing a grueling 12-round tie against junior lightweight champion Yamato Hata on August 2. He was rushed into emergency surgery for a subdural hematoma, also known as a brain hemorrhage — a life-threatening condition where blood pools between the brain and skull — but died on Friday. The World Boxing Council confirmed Kotari's death was directly linked to injuries sustained during the bout. Just one day later, Hiromasa Urakawa, also 28, died after suffering the same type of brain injury during a knockout loss to Yoji Saito. The lightweight fighter was knocked out in the eighth and final round and underwent a craniotomy in a bid to save his life. The World Boxing Organization (WBO) paid tribute to Kotari 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," the statement said. "A warrior in the ring. A fighter in spirit. Gone too soon." Kotari's gym also released a heartfelt statement on its website: "He gave everything — fighting through surgery and treatment at a Tokyo hospital after suffering an acute subdural hematoma. He never stopped battling." Following Urakawa's death, the WBO issued a separate message extending its "deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community, during this incredibly difficult time." Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, secretary-general of the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC), told local media on Saturday that it was likely "the first time in Japan two fighters underwent skull-opening surgery for injuries stemming from the same event." In response, the JBC announced that all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation title bouts will now be shortened from 12 rounds to 10. Urakawa's death marks the third boxing fatality worldwide from in-ring injuries this year. Last year, Irish boxer John Cooney died a week after being hospitalized following his Celtic super-featherweight title defeat to Nathan Howells in Belfast. He had suffered a severe brain injury during the bout. Calls for tighter oversight of boxing — both in Japan and internationally — have been gaining momentum following the fatalities. Advocates are demanding shorter fight durations, mandatory post-fight medical scans, and stricter enforcement of concussion protocols. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Shigetoshi Kotari, Hiromasa Urakawa die from boxing injuries
Kotari, 28, had lost consciousness, according to the WBC, after a 12-round match, a draw, against Yamato Hata for Hata's Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation super featherweight title. Kotari was taken to the hospital and received emergency brain surgery for a subdural hematoma. A subdural hematoma is a type of bleeding near the brain that can happen after a head injury, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Deeply sorry for this loss a ring accident which makes all of us go back to continue research to find ways to make boxing safer and implement prevention programs Our deepest sympathy and condolences for his family and the boxing community in Japan — Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) August 8, 2025 "Deeply sorry for this loss a ring accident which makes all of us go back to continue research to find ways to make boxing safer and implement prevention programs," Mauricio Sulaiman, the WBC's president, posted on social media. "Our deepest sympathy and condolences for his family and the boxing community in Japan." Urakawa, 28, also needed brain surgery, a craniotomy, after a six-round loss to Yoji Saito at the same event, the BBC reported, citing the Japan Boxing Commission. 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... — WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) August 9, 2025 "We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time," the WBO posted. The commission has since lowered OPBF title bouts from 12 rounds to 10.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Japanese boxer Shigetoshi Kotari dies after title fight; second death in same Tokyo event
Japanese boxer Shigetoshi Kotari has died at the age of 28, six days after collapsing from a brain injury sustained in a title fight in Tokyo, the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) said Friday(August 8). Kotari was competing against Yamato Hata for the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) super featherweight title on August 2 at Korakuen Hall. The 12-round match ended in a draw, but moments later Kotari told his team he felt unwell and collapsed in his corner. Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program He was taken to a Tokyo hospital, where doctors diagnosed an acute subdural hematoma, bleeding between the brain and skull. Surgeons performed a craniotomy to relieve pressure, but his condition did not improve, the JBC said. Kotari died on August 8. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like A Teaspoon Before Bed Burns Body Fat - Fit Into Your Clothes Again! gofitlifeguide Click Here Undo A subdural hematoma is a life-threatening condition that can develop after blows to the head. Symptoms may appear suddenly or be delayed, making timely medical intervention critical. The World Boxing Organization paid tribute on social media , writing: 'Rest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari 🕊️. A warrior in the ring. A fighter in spirit. Gone too soon.' Live Events Kotari's death came just one day after Hiromasa Urakawa , another 28-year-old fighter on the same event card, died from a similar injury. Urakawa's bout was stopped after he was knocked down multiple times. He also underwent emergency brain surgery but did not survive. The twin tragedies have sparked urgent calls for reform in Japan's boxing community. The JBC announced on Saturday(August 9) that it will reduce OPBF title fights from 12 rounds to 10 rounds in an effort to reduce risks to fighters. Other safety measures, including weigh-in rules and hydration protocols, are under review. Rise of Kotari Kotari, born in Nagoya and fighting out of Kanagawa, turned professional in late 2010s. He compiled a record of eight wins, two draws, and two losses, and was considered a disciplined, skillful competitor. The day before the fight, he posted on Instagram: 'Finally the time has come. What I've been accumulating, bet it all and go win. I will definitely be a champion.' The deaths of Kotari and Urakawa have shaken the sport in Japan and abroad, reminding fighters and fans alike of boxing's inherent dangers. 'The sport will never forget him,' the WBO said, 'and safety must come first moving forward.'
USA Today
a day ago
- Health
- USA Today
Boxers Shigetoshi Kotari, Hiromasa Urakawa die from brain injuries after Aug. 2 fights
Two Japanese boxers have died from brain injuries suffered during separate fights at an Aug. 2 match in Tokyo, according to world boxing governing bodies. Shigetoshi Kotari's death was announced by the World Boxing Council and World Boxing Organization on Aug. 8. The death of Hiromasa Urakawa was announced by the WBO on Aug. 9. Kotari, 28, had lost consciousness, according to the WBC, after a 12-round match, a draw, against Yamato Hata for Hata's Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation super featherweight title. Kotari was taken to the hospital and received emergency brain surgery for a subdural hematoma. A subdural hematoma is a type of bleeding near the brain that can happen after a head injury, according to the Cleveland Clinic. "Deeply sorry for this loss a ring accident which makes all of us go back to continue research to find ways to make boxing safer and implement prevention programs," Mauricio Sulaimán, the WBC's president, posted on social media. "Our deepest sympathy and condolences for his family and the boxing community in Japan." Urakawa, 28, also needed brain surgery, a craniotomy, after a six-round loss to Yoji Saito at the same event, the BBC reported, citing the Japan Boxing Commission. "We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time," the WBO posted. The commission has since lowered OPBF title bouts from 12 rounds to 10.
New York Post
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Japanese boxer, 28, dies of brain injury just days after title fight
Six days after a junior lightweight title fight in Tokyo, a Japanese boxer tragically lost his life from a brain Shigetoshi Kotari died Friday, according to multiple reports, following injuries he suffered in an Aug. 2 bout against Yamato Hata. Kotari was 28. Advertisement 4 Boxer Shigetosi Kotari training. Shigetoshi Kotari / Instagram He challenged Hata (17-2-1, 16 KOs) for the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) belt. Kotari had won consecutive eight-round fights by unanimous decision to earn the title shot. Advertisement The 12-round bout was held at Korakuen Hall. Kotari lost consciousness after the fight, and it ended in a draw. 4 Kotari died at the age of 28. Shigetoshi Kotari / Instagram 4 Kotari inside a ring. Shigetoshi Kotari / Instagram Advertisement '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.' Kotari, a Nagoya, native, was able to depart the ring on his own. He appeared to be shaken by the head injury. He drew applause from fans in attendance as he left. Advertisement 4 Kotari leaving the ring after his last fight. @MaxCalendrillo/X Kotari (8-2-2, 5 KOs) was taken to a nearby hospital and underwent emergency brain surgery for a subdural hematoma. He was unable to recover. 'Deeply sorry for this loss, a ring accident which makes all of us go back to continue research to find ways to make boxing safer and implement prevention programmes (sic),' said World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman, according to 'Our deepest sympathy and condolences for his family and the boxing community in Japan.' The Japan Boxing Commission is set to make a big change in the aftermath of his tragedy, according to The Sun, with OPBF title fights being scaled back from 12 rounds to 10.
