Boxing is still in mourning. Hours after Japan’s Shigetoshi Kotari died of a brain injury, as a result of the blows received during his fight against Yamato Hata on August 2, another Japanese fighter, Hiromasa Urakawa, has also died from the brain injuries he suffered in the fight against Yoji Saito on the same day.
Urakawa, who had lost by KO, was admitted to hospital after suffering serious injuries. He underwent a craniotomy for an acute subdural haematoma after the fight at Korakuen Hall. Although in the early hours the fighter seemed to respond positively to the intervention, the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) announced the death of the boxer
After the news broke, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) expressed its condolences to Urakawa’s family and friends. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time. This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from injuries sustained 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
In addition to the two deaths, Kotari’s opponent, Yamato Hata, also suffered brain injuries and is not yet out of danger. Japanese boxing is in the spotlight. Already in 2023, fighters Kazuki Anaguchi and Kanamu Sakama died after sharing the same card as Naoya Inoue.
In this regard, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman said that “we deeply regret this loss, an accident in the ring that forces us all to continue to investigate ways to make boxing safer and implement prevention programs.”
After the magnitude of the tragedy, the Japan Boxing Commission has decided that Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation fights will be 10 rounds instead of 12. However, many critics maintain that it is a measure that comes too late and does not address the root of the problem
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