Two Japanese boxers died from brain injuries sustained at the same Tokyo boxing event, triggering immediate regulatory changes and exposing dangerous gaps in combat sports safety protocols.
Story Highlights
- Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, both 28, died within days after suffering brain injuries at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall on August 2
- Japanese Boxing Commission immediately reduced title fight rounds from 12 to 10 following the unprecedented double tragedy
- Both fighters required emergency craniotomies for subdural hematomas but died despite surgical intervention
- This marks the first known instance in Japan of two boxers requiring skull-opening surgery from injuries at the same event
Unprecedented Boxing Tragedy Rocks Tokyo
On August 2, 2025, Tokyo’s historic Korakuen Hall witnessed an unprecedented tragedy when two professional boxers sustained fatal brain injuries during separate bouts on the same card. Shigetoshi Kotari, a super featherweight, fought a grueling 12-round draw against Yamato Hata, while Hiromasa Urakawa, a lightweight, was knocked out in the eighth round by Yoji Saito. Both 28-year-old fighters collapsed post-fight and required immediate hospitalization for acute brain injuries.
NEW: Two boxers in Japan have died from brain injuries they incurred in separate bouts during the same event in Tokyo, officials said
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) August 10, 2025
Emergency Medical Response Proves Insufficient
Despite emergency craniotomies performed to relieve pressure from subdural hematomas—a life-threatening condition where blood accumulates between the brain and skull—both fighters succumbed to their injuries. Kotari died on August 8 following surgery, while Urakawa passed away on August 9 after his craniotomy failed to save him. The simultaneous medical emergencies exposed potential weaknesses in ringside medical protocols and emergency response capabilities at Japanese boxing events.
Regulatory Authorities Implement Immediate Changes
The Japanese Boxing Commission responded swiftly to the deaths by announcing the reduction of Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation title fights from 12 to 10 rounds. This regulatory change represents the first concrete safety measure implemented following the tragedy. The Commission also launched a comprehensive investigation and scheduled a September meeting to review existing safety protocols and discuss additional protective measures for professional boxers.
Industry Grapples with Safety Standards Review
The World Boxing Organization issued condolences while the broader boxing community confronted uncomfortable questions about fighter safety. Medical experts emphasized the critical importance of rapid intervention for subdural hematomas and called for enhanced training for ringside physicians. The incident has sparked industry-wide discussions about mandatory pre-fight brain scans, stricter stoppage criteria, and improved emergency medical preparedness at boxing venues nationwide.
NEW: Two boxers in Japan have died from brain injuries they incurred in separate bouts during the same event in Tokyo, officials said
READ: https://t.co/QXl2PuaIU1 pic.twitter.com/PS43cPRXRS
— crimsonbearz (@crimsonbearz) August 10, 2025
This tragedy highlights the inherent dangers athletes face in combat sports and the ongoing responsibility of regulatory bodies to protect fighters while preserving the integrity of professional boxing. The deaths serve as a sobering reminder that athlete safety must remain paramount in all competitive sporting events.
Sources:
Hiromasa Urakawa becomes second boxer to die after competing at same event in Japan
Japanese boxers brain injury shigetoshi kotari hiromasa urakawa
Japan: Two boxers die from brain injuries at Tokyo event
Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa dies after fight injuries
Two Japanese boxers die brain injuries suffered same fight card
