The boxing community is in mourning following the death of Japanese star Shigetoshi Kotari at the age of 28, just a week after his OPBF Super Featherweight title fight against Yamato Hata.
Kotari, a super-featherweight contender, succumbed to injuries he sustained during the August 2 match in Tokyo. Despite undergoing emergency surgery for a subdural hematoma – a type of bleeding that occurs between the brain and skull – incurred during the bout, his life could not be saved.
On Friday, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) paid tribute to Kotari with a heartfelt statement on X, honoring him as “a warrior in the ring” and “a fighter in spirit.”
“Rest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari,” the post read. “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.”
In remembrance, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman also expressed his condolences on social media, stating he is “deeply sorry for this loss” and called for research and prevention programs to enhance safety in boxing. “Our deepest sympathy and condolences for his family and the boxing community in Japan,” he added.
The boxing world mourns as heartfelt tributes pour in for a fallen fighter. Kotari, with a record of eight wins, two losses, and two draws, had shared an Instagram photo with Hata just before their fateful match, captioned with a promise to win and become champion.
“Finally the time has come. What I’ve been accumulating, bet it all and go win. I will definitely be a champion,” read the poignant message, translated from his original post.
Their bout ended in a draw for the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) super-featherweight title, prompting the Japan Boxing Commission to reduce OPBF title fights from 12 to 10 rounds henceforth.
Following the intense match, Kotari underwent emergency brain surgery for a subdural hematoma, as confirmed by the JPC. Another boxer, Hiromasa Urakawa, also needed a craniotomy after facing Yoji Saito in the ring.
While Kotari was initially under careful observation post-surgery, the commission has now tragically announced that he has passed away due to his injuries.