Japanese boxers Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa have died following brain injuries sustained while competing on the same card, although in different fights, at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo on Aug. 2. . (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
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An unspeakable tragedy hit the boxing world when two Japanese boxers on the same card died following brain injuries suffered during different fights at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo on Aug. 2.
Shigetoshi Kotari, 28, lost consciousness soon after fighting to a 12-round draw against Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation junior lightweight champion Yamato Hata. On Friday, it was announced he had died after he underwent brain surgery to treat a subdural hematoma, in which blood collects between the skull and brain.
“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.”
Featherweight Hiromasa Urakawa, also 28, suffered brain injuries during his knockout defeat to Yoji Saito. Urakawa underwent a craniotomy to also treat a subdural hematoma but died Saturday.
“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 announced Saturday on social media. “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.”
Here’s a look at the announcement:
Following the Aug. 2 card, the Japanese Boxing Commission announced that all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation title bouts would be 10 rounds instead of 12.
Minoru Hagiwara, the president of the OPBF, expressing condolences for the deaths of Kotari and Urakawa and saying an investigation would take place, according to Japanese media outlet Sponichi.
In February, super-featherweight Irish boxer John Cooney died after sustaining an intracranial haemorrhage from his fight with Nathan Howells in Belfast.