The Japanese boxing community mourns the loss of two young boxers after brutal fights in Tokyo, igniting concerns over the sport's safety standards and regulations.
Tragic Losses in Japanese Boxing: Second Boxer Dies Post-Fight
Tragic Losses in Japanese Boxing: Second Boxer Dies Post-Fight
Recent deaths following boxing events raise urgent questions about safety protocols.
In a devastating turn of events, the boxing world is grappling with tragedy as another fighter, Hiromasa Urakawa, aged 28, succumbed to brain injuries sustained during a match in Tokyo. This follows the untimely demise of Shigetoshi Kotari, who also suffered grave injuries during the same event, held on August 2 at Korakuen Hall.
Urakawa's death, reported on Saturday, occurred after he was knocked out in the eighth round by Yoji Saito. Both athletes were treated for subdural hematoma—a severe condition where blood accumulates between the skull and the brain—following their respective fights. The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) expressed its sorrow, stating, "We mourn the passing of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during his fight against Yoji Saito," emphasizing the dual tragedy that has shaken the boxing community.
In response to these fatalities, the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) has announced a reduction in the maximum number of rounds for Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title bouts, lowering it from 12 to 10 rounds to enhance fighter safety. Japanese media outlets report that the JBC will conduct an investigation and hold a meeting in September to further discuss the implications of these tragic events.
2025 has already seen the loss of notable boxers, including Irishman John Cooney, who died in February after a fight in Belfast due to an intracranial hemorrhage. As these heartbreaking incidents unfold, the boxing world is left to reckon with the urgent need for reform and enhanced safety measures in professional boxing.
