Two Japanese Boxers Die After Same Fight Card in Tokyo

The boxing world is mourning the tragic deaths of Japanese boxers Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, both of whom died from brain injuries sustained during fights on the same card in Tokyo. Kotari collapsed after a grueling 12-round split draw for the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation super featherweight title against Yamato Hata and passed away six days later despite emergency brain surgery. Urakawa suffered a brain injury during an eighth-round knockout defeat and died the following day, marking the second death from that fight card. The Japanese Boxing Commission swiftly responded by reducing all OPBF title bouts from 12 to 10 rounds to enhance fighter safety. This year has seen multiple boxing fatalities, including Irish boxer John Cooney, highlighting ongoing concerns about the risks in the sport. Tributes have poured in from the boxing community worldwide, honoring both fighters as fallen warriors and emphasizing the need to balance the sport's demands with fighter welfare.