Back-to-Back Losses Rock Japanese Boxing as Two Fighters Die From Brain Injuries

The Japanese boxing community is in mourning after a second fighter died from injuries sustained during the same event in Tokyo.

Hiromasa Urakawa, 28, passed away on Saturday, just days after suffering a devastating knockout in the eighth round of his August 2 bout against Yoji Saito at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall. His death comes barely 24 hours after fellow Japanese boxer Shigetoshi Kotari, who fought on the same card, also died from a similar injury.

Both men underwent surgery for subdural haematoma — a dangerous condition in which blood collects between the skull and the brain — but sadly, neither survived.

In a statement, the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) expressed its sorrow:

“We mourn the passing of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during his fight against Yoji Saito. This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari. We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community.”

The tragic back-to-back losses have cast a dark shadow over the sport in Japan and raised fresh concerns about fighter safety.

As tributes pour in for the two athletes, boxing fans and officials alike are calling for deeper discussions on medical protocols and measures to prevent such devastating outcomes in the future.