The boxing community was shocked by the tragic news of a second fighter’s death at the same event in Tokyo. Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa passed away after sustaining a brain injury during a match with Yoji Saito on August 2. Similarly, Shigetoshi Kotari also lost his life due to injuries suffered on the same night.
Both athletes, aged 28, had promising careers in boxing. Urakawa, with 10 wins and seven knockouts, underwent surgery but unfortunately did not survive. This marks the third boxing fatality this year, following Kotari and Irish boxer John Cooney, who died in February from an intracranial haemorrhage.
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) expressed condolences for Urakawa’s untimely death and the recent passing of Kotari, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Following Kotari’s tragic death, the Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation has implemented new rules, reducing title fights from 12 rounds to 10 rounds to enhance safety measures.
Ring Magazine also mourned the loss of Urakawa, acknowledging the severity of the brain injury sustained during the match in Tokyo. Mark Dunlop, Cooney’s manager, highlighted the inherent risks in boxing, emphasizing the awareness within the boxing community about the dangers associated with the sport.
