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First Post
3 days ago
- Sport
- First Post
Explained: How brain injury deaths of two boxers could change landscape of Japanese boxing
The unfortunate brain injury deaths of Japanese boxers Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa could prompt sweeping rule changes, with the Japan Boxing Commission under pressure to act read more Japanese boxers Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa's death due to brain injuries has led to an emergency meeting regarding fight protocols. Images: Shigetoshi Kotari on Instagram/World Boxing Org A massive boxing controversy has broken out in Japan after two fighters lost their lives in separate bouts at the same event. Super featherweight Shigetoshi Kotari and lightweight Hiromasa Urakawa, both 28, lost their lives recently after fighting on the same card at Tokyo's Korakuen Hall on 2 August. Both Kotari and Urakawa suffered brain injuries during their respective fights and died days later following brain surgery. Their deaths were confirmed by the World Boxing Federation on Saturday. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How Japanese boxers died to due to brain injuries The unfortunate deaths have sparked a huge furore in the country as fans and media question the safety regulations around boxing matches in Japan. The duration of fights and ringside medical protocols has come under immense scrutiny. Kotari collapsed after competing in a difficult 12-round tie boxing match against junior lightweight champion Yamato Hata. He underwent emergency surgery for a subdural hematoma, which is also known as a brain hemorrhage, but died on Friday. The subdural hematoma is a life-threatening condition where blood collects between the brain's surface and its outer covering, the dura mater. Urakawa died on Saturday after undergoing a craniotomy following his knockout defeat to eighth and final round loss to Yoji Saito. He had suffered similar brain injuries to Kotari. As per World Boxing, Kotari's demise was directly linked to the injuries he suffered during the match. Boxing stakeholders under immense scrutiny in Japan The recent deaths have shocked the Japanese community, increasing pressure on the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC), gym owners and major boxing officials to make changes to the fight and medical protocols. The major stakeholders will be holding an emergency meeting on Tuesday. 'We are acutely aware of our responsibility as the manager of the sport,' Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, secretary-general of the JBC, told reporters on Sunday. 'We will take whatever measures we can.' As per the Japanese media, the dehydration among boxers caused by their efforts to lose weight before weigh-ins has led to disastrous results. 'Dehydration makes the brain more susceptible to bleeding,' the Asahi Shimbun newspaper said. This is something that will reportedly be discussed during the meeting. 'They want to hear from gym officials who work closely with the athletes about such items as weight loss methods and pre-bout conditioning, which may be causally related (to fatalities),' the Nikkan Sports newspaper said. As an immediate measure, the Japan Boxing Commission has reduced Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation title bouts to 10 rounds from 12, considering the increase in the aggressive style of fighting. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But with growing discontent among fans and people of Japan, sweeping changes related to match and medical protocols cannot be ruled out.
The Star
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Two Japanese boxers die after brain injuries at the same Tokyo event
Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa died from head injuries in separate bouts at Tokyo's Korakuen Hall. -- Photos: X/@WorldBoxingOrg TOKYO (AFP): Two boxers in Japan have died from brain injuries they incurred in separate bouts during the same event in Tokyo, officials said. Super featherweight Shigetoshi Kotari and lightweight Hiromasa Urakawa, both 28, fought on the same card in Tokyo's Korakuen Hall on August 2. Both were later rushed to hospital where they had brain surgery. Kotari, who battled to a draw after 12 rounds against fellow Japanese fighter Yamato Hata lost consciousness soon after and "passed away at 10:59pm on August 8," his M.T boxing gym said on its website Saturday. "He did his best to fight his way through the surgery and treatment he had been receiving at a Tokyo hospital due to acute subdural haematoma," the gym's post said. Urakawa was stopped in the eighth and final round against Yoji Saito and "tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during his fight", the World Boxing Organization (WBO) said in an Instagram post on Sunday. Urakawa died on Saturday night, according to local media reports. "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, adding it extends "our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community." Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, secretary-general of the Japan Boxing Commission, told local media after their hospitalisation that it was likely "the first time in Japan two fighters underwent skull-opening surgery for injuries stemming from the same event". - AFP
News18
5 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Two Pugilists Succumb To Brain Injuries Sustained At Tokyo Event
Last Updated: Super featherweight Shigetoshi Kotari and lightweight Hiromasa Urakawa sustained injuries in two seperate bouts at the event in Japan. In a shocking incident, two Japanese boxers attained heavenly abode as the pugilists succumbed to brain injuries sustained during a boxing tournament in Tokyo. Super featherweight Shigetoshi Kotari and lightweight Hiromasa Urakawa sustained injuries in two seperate bouts at the event in Japan. Both the pugilists, who were 28 years of age, fought on the same card in Tokyo's Korakuen Hall on the 2nd of August. Both were later rushed to the hospital, where they had 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… — WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) August 8, 2025 The World Boxing Organization expressed its condolences following the tragic incident. '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," the organisation said. '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," the WBO said. '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 governing body added. Kotari, who battled to a draw after 12 rounds against fellow Japanese fighter Yamato Hata, lost consciousness soon after and passed away at 10:59 pm on August 8. 'He did his best to fight his way through the surgery and treatment he had been receiving at a Tokyo hospital due to acute subdural haematoma," his M.T boxing gym said on its website Saturday. Urakawa was stopped in the eighth and final round against Yoji Saito and tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during his fight. Urakawa breathed his last on Saturday night, according to local media reports. Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, secretary-general of the Japan Boxing Commission, told local media after their hospitalisation that it was likely 'the first time in Japan two fighters underwent skull-opening surgery for injuries stemming from the same event". view comments First Published: August 10, 2025, 09:01 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Shigetoshi Kotari dies at 28 after brain injury: How head injuries can turn fatal
The world of boxing lost one of its talents this August when Shigetoshi Kotari, a 28-year-old Japanese fighter, succumbed to a brain injury sustained during his title fight. On August 2, Kotari went the full 12 rounds against Yamato Hata in Tokyo. The bout ended in a split draw, and from the outside, it seemed like just another night in the ring. But moments after the match, Kotari collapsed in his corner. Scans later revealed a subdural hematoma; a severe brain bleed caused by trauma. Despite emergency surgery, Kotari never regained consciousness. He passed away on August 8, leaving the boxing world in grief. 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… — WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) August 8, 2025 When a brain bleed becomes life-threatening A subdural hematoma occurs when blood collects between the brain and its outer covering (the dura mater). In Kotari's case, repeated blows to the head likely caused tiny veins to tear, allowing blood to pool and put pressure on the brain. The danger lies in the fact that the brain has nowhere to expand inside the rigid skull. Even a small bleed can lead to swelling, cutting off oxygen supply to critical areas. If not treated immediately, this pressure can cause permanent brain damage, or, as in Kotari's case, be fatal. Why some head injuries seem invisible One of the most alarming truths about head trauma is that symptoms can be delayed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like When Knee Pain Hits, Start Eating These Foods, and Feel Your Pain Go Away (It's Genius) Click Here Undo In Kotari's fight, there were no dramatic knockdowns or visible distress during the match. Fighters often continue through pain, adrenaline masking early signs like dizziness or blurred vision. By the time obvious symptoms, such as severe headache, vomiting, or collapse, appear, the damage may already be advanced. This is why experts stress immediate post-fight evaluations and advanced ringside monitoring, even when a boxer seems fine. What can reduce the risk After Kotari's passing, the Japan Boxing Commission reduced OPBF future title fights from 12 rounds to 10. While this is a step forward, experts believe there's more to be done: Mandatory MRI scans before and after high-intensity matches to detect subtle changes in brain tissue. Extended recovery periods between fights, especially after any head trauma. Advanced ringside medical equipment for rapid diagnosis of bleeds. These measures may not eliminate risk completely but can improve survival chances by enabling faster treatment. traumatic brain injury . It is not a substitute for professional medical advice.] Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
