Two Japanese boxers have died from brain injuries suffered during separate fights at an Aug. 2 match in Tokyo, according to world boxing governing bodies.
Shigetoshi Kotari’s death was announced by the World Boxing Council and World Boxing Organization on Aug. 8. The death of Hiromasa Urakawa was announced by the WBO on Aug. 9.
Kotari, 28, had lost consciousness, according to the WBC, after a 12-round match, a draw, against Yamato Hata for Hata’s Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation super featherweight title. Kotari was taken to the hospital and received emergency brain surgery for a subdural hematoma.
A subdural hematoma is a type of bleeding near the brain that can happen after a head injury, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
‘Deeply sorry for this loss a ring accident which makes all of us go back to continue research to find ways to make boxing safer and implement prevention programs,’ Mauricio Sulaimán, the WBC’s president, posted on social media. ‘Our deepest sympathy and condolences for his family and the boxing community in Japan.’
Urakawa, 28, also needed brain surgery, a craniotomy, after a six-round loss to Yoji Saito at the same event, the BBC reported, citing the Japan Boxing Commission.
‘We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time,’ the WBO posted.
The commission has since lowered OPBF title bouts from 12 rounds to 10.