The World Boxing Organization announced Friday that Shigetoshi Kotari died at the age of 28 from injuries suffered during his fight against Yamato Hata on Aug. 2.
According to BBC, Kotari underwent emergency brain surgery to treat a subdural hematoma after the bout, and he was pronounced dead less than one week later.
Kotari was the challenger for the OPBF super featherweight title against Hata, and the fight ended in a split draw, which brought Kotari’s career record to 8-2-2.
Per BBC, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman released a statement on Kotari’s passing, saying:
“Deeply sorry for this loss, a ring accident which makes all of us go back to continue research to find ways to make boxing safer and implement prevention programs. Our deepest sympathy and condolences for his family and the boxing community in Japan.”
Following the fatal injuries suffered by Kotari on Aug. 2, the Japan Boxing Commission announced that all future OPBF title fights would be shortened from 12 rounds to 10.
In addition to Kotari, Hiromasa Urakawa suffered a head injury during that card as well, requiring a craniotomy.
BBC noted that no official update has been provided on Urakawa’s status since the procedure.