In a heartbreaking turn of events, the world of boxing was shaken this month as two Japanese fighters tragically lost their lives due to serious brain injuries sustained during bouts at a single event in Tokyo.

On August 2, 28-year-old Shigetoshi Kotari faced off against the reigning Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation junior lightweight champion, Yamato Hata. After an intense 12-round match that ended in a draw, Kotari collapsed and was rushed into emergency brain surgery for a subdural hematoma—a life-threatening condition where blood accumulates between the brain and the skull. Despite the best efforts, he passed away just days later.

The World Boxing Organization expressed their grief on social media, stating, "Rest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari. The boxing world mourns the tragic passing of this warrior in the ring, gone too soon. Our thoughts are with his family and the Japanese boxing community."

Tragically, the sorrow didn’t end there. Just one day after Kotari's death, another talented fighter, 28-year-old Hiromasa Urakawa, succumbed to similar injuries following a crushing knockout loss to Yoji Daito. Despite undergoing a craniotomy in a desperate attempt to save his life, Urakawa's fate mirrored that of Kotari.

The WBO expressed their condolences again, highlighting the devastating nature of these losses: "This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from injuries suffered in his fight on the same card. We extend our deepest sympathies to their families and the entire Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time."

In response to this alarming situation, the Japanese Boxing Commission has taken immediate action by reducing all OPBF title bouts from 12 rounds to 10. Additionally, they have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding these tragedies and are set to hold a meeting in September.

This sobering incident is not an isolated case; it follows a series of high-profile boxing fatalities. Earlier in 2025, Irish boxer John Cooney also died after suffering an intracranial hemorrhage during a fight in Belfast.

As the boxing world reels from these shocking losses, the urgent need for increased safety measures in the sport has never been more apparent.