Two Boxers Die Following Injuries Suffered At Tokyo Event
Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, aged 28, has died from brain injuries sustained during a match at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall, becoming the second fighter to lose his life from the same boxing event. The incident occurred during his bout against Yoji Saito on August 2. Urakawa collapsed after the fight and was taken to hospital, where he was diagnosed with severe brain trauma. Despite medical intervention, he could not recover and passed away days later.
This devastating news came just shortly after the death of another Japanese boxer, Shigetoshi Kotari, also 28, who competed on the same card. Kotari’s fight against Yamato Hata ended in a draw, but he suffered a similar brain injury during the contest. He was immediately hospitalized but died from his injuries.
The rare occurrence of two fatalities from a single boxing event has sent shockwaves through Japan’s boxing community and raised urgent concerns about fighter safety. The Japanese Boxing Commission has responded by implementing immediate changes aimed at reducing risks. One major adjustment is the decision to shorten all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title bouts from 12 rounds to 10. Officials believe this will help limit prolonged exposure to heavy blows and reduce the chances of severe head trauma.
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Both Urakawa and Kotari were experienced fighters who had built reputations in Japan’s competitive boxing scene. Their deaths serve as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks of the sport, even for well-trained and conditioned athletes. Medical experts are now urging further review of training protocols, referee interventions, and post-fight medical checks to prevent similar tragedies.
The back-to-back losses have cast a shadow over Japanese boxing, with tributes pouring in for both athletes. Many hope the new safety measures will mark the beginning of broader reforms in the sport’s approach to fighter welfare.
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