In a
devastating turn of events, two Japanese boxers, both aged 28, tragically died
from brain injuries sustained during different bouts on the same fight card
held at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall on August 2.
Shigetoshi
Kotari collapsed following a 12-round draw. He was rushed for emergency surgery
to treat a **subdural hematoma**—a blood clot between the brain and skull—but
sadly passed away several days later.
Hiromasa
Urakawa was knocked out in his match against Yoji Saito. He also underwent
emergency brain surgery in an attempt to save his life, but succumbed to his
injuries the following day.
These
heartbreaking losses prompted the Japanese Boxing Commission to immediately
reduce all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title fights from 12
rounds to 10, aiming to enhance fighter safety and prevent similar tragedies in
the future.
