On August 2, 2025, Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall witnessed an unprecedented tragedy when two Japanese professional boxers, Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, both aged 28, suffered fatal brain injuries during separate bouts held on the same fight card.
Kotari competed in a grueling 12-round match against Yamato Hata, which ended in a draw. Shortly after the fight, Kotari lost consciousness and was rushed to hospital, where emergency brain surgery was performed to treat a severe subdural hematoma—an acute bleed within the skull. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on August 8, six days after the bout.
Similarly, Urakawa was involved in another intense fight on the same night, knocked out in the eighth round by Yoji Saito. Following the knockout, Urakawa experienced critical brain trauma and was also taken for emergency surgery to stop the brain bleed. Tragically, he passed away on August 9, the day after his surgery.
Both deaths mark a somber milestone in Japanese boxing history, as this is reportedly the first time that two fighters required skull-opening neurosurgery from injuries sustained on the same event, with both ultimately losing their lives.
In response, the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) has announced immediate regulatory changes aimed at enhancing boxer safety. One key reform is the reduction of all upcoming Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title fights from 12 rounds to 10 rounds, a move designed to decrease prolonged exposure to head trauma during contests.
The JBC is also calling for an emergency safety summit to address related concerns, including the dangers of extreme weight cutting practices and the intensity of current fight schedules, both of which can exacerbate health risks for fighters. The commission emphasized its commitment to protect athletes and prevent future tragedies of this nature.
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) and wider boxing community have expressed deep condolences to the families of Kotari and Urakawa, mourning the loss of two promising athletes whose careers and lives were cut short. Fans and officials alike are reflecting on the brutal risks inherent in the sport and the urgent need for continued safety reforms.
These devastating events serve as a stark reminder of the physical toll boxing imposes on competitors and underscore the critical importance of stringent medical protocols, vigilant oversight, and regulatory measures to safeguard fighter welfare.
