Two boxers die after brain injuries in Tokyo card

Two 28-year-old fighters died after brain injuries sustained in matches on the same Tokyo card, prompting questions about safety and regulation.

Two Japanese boxers die from brain injuries in separate bouts on a single card

Two boxers died after brain injuries sustained in bouts at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo. Shigetoshi Kotari, 28, collapsed after a 12 round draw with Yamato Hata on August 2, underwent emergency brain surgery for a subdural hematoma and died on Friday. The World Boxing Organization posted condolences on social media, noting the boxing world mourns the loss. Hiromasa Urakawa, also 28, died after suffering the same injury during a knockout loss to Yoji Saito. He had a craniotomy in an attempt to save his life. The Japanese Boxing Commission announced that all OPBF title bouts will be reduced from 12 rounds to 10. Earlier this year Irish boxer John Cooney died after his Celtic title fight in Belfast.

These deaths put a harsh light on safety in a sport that prizes risk. Critics argue that longer bouts, insufficient medical staffing, and slow stoppages can worsen outcomes. The quick move by the Japanese Boxing Commission to shorten OPBF title fights to 10 rounds signals a willingness to act, but observers will ask whether deeper reforms are possible and how quickly they can be implemented. The incidents underscore a broader debate about safety culture in boxing and the balance between competition and protection of fighters.

Highlights

A lasting shift in safety is now essential.