Japanese boxers Shigetoshi Kotari and Kiromasa Urakawa have died from brain injuries they each sustained while competing at the same event, though in different fights, at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo on Aug. 2.
Kotari, 28, died Friday after he lost consciousness following a 12-round draw against Yamato Hata, the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation junior lightweight champion. He underwent brain surgery to treat a subdural hematoma, a type of bleeding near the brain, but died from his injuries, the World Boxing Organization announced.
“Rest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari,” WBO wrote in a post to X. “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.”
Urakawa died Saturday, also at age 28, after sustaining brain injuries during an eighth-round knockout loss to Yoji Saito. He underwent a craniotomy, a type of brain surgery where a surgeon removes part of your skull to access your brain, to also treat a subdural hematoma, according to reports.
“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,” WBO wrote in a post to X. “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.”
Kotari made his professional boxing debut in 2019, finishing his career with an 8-2-2 record, including five wins by knockout, according to BoxRec.com. Urakawa made his pro debut in 2018 and finished his career with a 10-4 record, including seven wins by knockout.
Following the Aug. 2 card at Korakuen Hall, the Japanese Boxing Commission announced that all OPBF title fights would be reduced to 10 rounds instead of 12, according to reports.
“We offer our heartfelt condolences to the souls of Kotari and Urakawa,” said JBC Commissioner Minoru Hagiwara said, according to Japanese media outlet Sponichi. “We have spent the past week praying for their recovery, but I am at a loss for words. We will immediately begin investigating and determining the cause and developing future countermeasures.”
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