{"id":57191,"date":"2025-08-09T15:36:08","date_gmt":"2025-08-09T15:36:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/57191\/"},"modified":"2025-08-09T15:36:08","modified_gmt":"2025-08-09T15:36:08","slug":"boxer-shigetoshi-kotari-dead-at-28-after-brain-injury-in-title-fight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/57191\/","title":{"rendered":"Boxer Shigetoshi Kotari Dead at 28 After Brain Injury in Title Fight"},"content":{"rendered":"

Japanese boxer Shigetoshi Kotari has died<\/a>. He was 28.<\/p>\n

\u201cRest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari \ud83d\udd4a,\u201d the World Boxing Organization wrote in a Friday, August 8, statement shared via X<\/a>. \u201cThe boxing world mourns the tragic passing of Japanese fighter Shigetoshi Kotari, who succumbed to injuries sustained during his August 2nd title fight.\u201d<\/p>\n

The message continued, \u201cA 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kotari competed in a super featherweight title fight against Yamato Hata in Tokyo on August 2, where he was knocked unconscious at one point during the match. According to a press release<\/a> shared via the Japan Boxing Commission, Kotari was rushed to the hospital. Doctors confirmed he had a subdural hematoma and required emergency brain surgery.<\/p>\n

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\n Related: Boxer Sherif Lawal Dead at 29 After Being Knocked Out in 1st Pro Match<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBoxer Sherif Lawal died at age 29 after sustaining a head injury during his professional debut. Lawal was knocked out while competing in his first major event at the Harrow Leisure Centre in London on Sunday, May 12. After suffering a blow to the temple, Lawal collapsed and subsequently passed away that same day. The [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n

The late athlete previously teased his training process going into the match, which was ultimately ruled a tie.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve made it through the weigh-in,\u201d Kotari wrote via Instagram<\/a> on August 1. \u201cThe time has finally come. I\u2019m going to bet everything. I\u2019ve built up until now and go for the win. I\u2019ll definitely become the champion.\u201d<\/p>\n

He continued at the time, \u201cPlease support me tomorrow at the venue and on the U-NEXT live stream.\u201d<\/p>\n

The matchup, Kotari said in a social media post last month, was his \u201cfirst title challenge.\u201d<\/p>\n

The boxing community has come together in the wake of Kotari\u2019s death<\/a>, sharing emotional tributes in honor of the late athlete.<\/p>\n

\u201cRIP to this modern day gladiator Shigetoshi Kotari,\u201d commentator Max Calendrillo wrote via X, sharing footage from the August 2 bout. \u201cApplauded by the fans in his final [conscious] moments. Heartbreaking.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n Related: Kenneth Egano Dead: Boxer Dies at 22 After Collapsing in Ring<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tCourtesy of Kenneth Egano\/Instagram Filipino boxer Kenneth Egano has died days after collapsing in the ring following a fight. He was 22 years old. \u201cThe entire agency of Games and Amusements Board (GAB) mourns the passing of professional boxer Kenneth Egano,\u201d the Filipino Games and Amusements Board wrote in a social media statement on Wednesday, [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n

Boxer Daniel Roman also shared his condolences.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am saddened to hear the news that my brother Shigetoshi Kotari has passed away. My sincere condolences to your family, fans and friends,\u201d Roman, 34, wrote via X. \u201cI hope that you are at peace and will continue to keep your family in my prayers. RIP Champ.\u201d<\/p>\n

Roman retweeted a post from Kotari\u2019s brother, as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cShigeri Kamiashi has passed away to heaven,\u201d the message read.\u00a0 \u201cThank you very much for all the love during their lifetime.\u201d<\/p>\n

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A second tribute read, \u201cAramotokun swore to become the champion at Shige\u2019s final moment. So I absolutely believe he\u2019ll achieve it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Kotari\u2019s brother also noted that Exile\u2019s song \u201cOne Love\u201d reminded him of his late sibling<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cShige, don\u2019t just remember. Please don\u2019t forget,\u201d he wrote on Saturday, August 9, sharing a carousel of family photos. \u201cPlease, I beg you.\u201d<\/p>\n

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