Tragedy struck at a boxing event in Tokyo as two Japanese boxers, Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, both 28 years old, died from brain injuries sustained in separate bouts on the same fight card at Korakuen Hall on August 2, 2025.
Shigetoshi Kotari fought a grueling 12-round contest that ended in a draw against Yamato Hata, the reigning Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) junior lightweight champion. Shortly after the fight, Kotari collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery to treat a subdural hematoma—bleeding between the brain and skull. Despite the medical efforts, he tragically passed away on the evening of August 8.
Just one day later, another boxer on the same card, Hiromasa Urakawa, succumbed to similar brain injuries. Urakawa was knocked out in the eighth round of his bout against Yoji Saito. He, too, was immediately hospitalized and underwent a craniotomy to relieve the brain swelling, but he passed away on August 9.
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the families and the entire Japanese boxing community. Their social media messages honored both fighters, calling them warriors in the ring and noting how tragic and premature their deaths were.
These tragic deaths have sparked urgent discussions about boxing safety in Japan. In response, the Japan Boxing Commission announced a reduction in the length of OPBF title bouts from the traditional 12 rounds to 10 rounds to help enhance athlete safety. The commission is also investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatalities and plans to hold a meeting in September to discuss further safety measures.
The deaths of Kotari and Urakawa mark a dark moment for Japanese boxing and highlight the inherent risks of the sport. Tragically, 2025 has already seen other boxing fatalities, including Irish boxer John Cooney earlier in the year who died after a fight in Belfast due to an intracranial hemorrhage.
Medical experts note that subdural hematomas and brain hemorrhages in boxing are often linked to repeated blows to the head, dehydration, and weight-cutting practices that can exacerbate injury risks. The fact that two boxers from the same event required skull-opening surgery is unprecedented and has intensified calls for stricter protocols, mandatory medical checks post-fight, and reducing fight duration globally.
- Date: August 2, 2025
- Location: Korakuen Hall, Tokyo
- Boxers: Shigetoshi Kotari (super featherweight), Hiromasa Urakawa (lightweight), both 28
- Injuries: Subdural hematoma (brain bleeding)
- Outcomes: Both passed away days after their fights (Kotari on Aug 8, Urakawa on Aug 9)
- Action taken: Japan Boxing Commission shortens OPBF title fights from 12 to 10 rounds
- Ongoing: Investigation planned by Japan Boxing Commission
The boxing world mourns these losses and the spotlight on fighter safety grows ever brighter as the tragic events at Korakuen Hall remind us of the physical toll this sport takes on its athletes. Fans and supporters are encouraged to join the conversation and advocate for continued improvements to ensure the well-being of fighters worldwide.
Stay safe and informed as the boxing community works to prevent such tragedies from recurring.