Two Japanese boxers die from brain injuries suffered on same fight card
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Andreas Hale
Japanese boxers Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa died after the brain injuries suffered during competition on the same card, although in different fights, in Korakuen Hall in Tokyo on August 2.
Kotari, 28, went to a 12 -lap draw against the light junior champion of the Eastern light federation and the Pacific Yamato Hata and lost knowledge shortly after the fight. He has undergone brain surgery to treat an subdural hematoma, in which blood accumulates between the skull and the brain. On Friday, it was announced that he died after the injury.
“Rest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari,” wrote the World Boxing Organization on social networks. “The world of boxing mourns the tragic passage of Japanese fighter Shigetoshi Kotari, who died of injuries suffered during his title fight on August 2. A warrior in the ring. A fighter in mind. So much early. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his team and the whole Japanese boxing community.”
Urakawa, also 28, died on Saturday after undergoing brain damage during his defeat in Ko against Yoji Saito. Urakawa has undergone a craniotomy to also treat a subdural hematoma.
“The WBO is crying for the death of the Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically died of injuries suffered during his fight against Yoji Saito on August 2 in Korakuen Hall in Tokyo,” WBO announced on social media on Saturday. “This heartbreaking news occurs only a few days after the death of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died of injuries suffered in his fight on the same card. We present our biggest condolences to families, friends and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult period.”
The WBO cries the death of the Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to the injuries suffered during his fight against Yoji Saito on August 2 at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.
This heartbreaking news occurs only a few days after the death of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died of … pic.twitter.com/cdzosmku2d
– WBO (@worldboxingorg) August 9, 2025
The Japanese boxing commission announced following the map of August 2 that all the Eastern title fights and Pacific Boxing Federation would be 10 laps instead of 12.
