Two professional boxers in Japan have died from brain injuries sustained during separate bouts at Tokyo's Korakuen Hall, sparking urgent safety reforms in the sport. Shigetoshi Kotari, 28, collapsed after completing a 12-round draw against OPBF junior lightweight champion Yamato Hata on August 2. Despite emergency surgery for a subdural hematoma, he passed away three days later.
In a devastating repeat, 28-year-old Hiromasa Urakawa succumbed to the same injury on Saturday following a knockout loss to Yoji Saito. Both athletes underwent cranial procedures that ultimately proved unsuccessful.
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) mourned the losses in social media tributes, stating: "The boxing world mourns the tragic passing… we extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and Japanese boxing community."
In response, the Japanese Boxing Commission announced immediate changes to OPBF title fights, reducing maximum rounds from 12 to 10. This decision marks one of the most significant safety measures in Japanese boxing history, reflecting growing global concerns about head trauma in combat sports.
Medical experts emphasize that subdural hematomas – caused by ruptured blood vessels between brain and skull – remain a critical risk in contact sports. The consecutive tragedies have reignited debates about protective gear standards and medical protocols at ringside.
