10 Aug 2025, 06:29
Tragedy in Boxing: Two Japanese Boxers Have Died
- Two Japanese boxers died after fights on September 2
- Both athletes underwent surgery on the brain
- New rules will reduce the number of rounds in title fights
Two Japanese boxers, Segetoshi Kotari and Hirmasa Urakava, succumbed following injuries sustained during a tournament held on September 2 in Koraken Hall, Tokyo.
Kotari, 28 years old, finished his bout against Yamato Hata by knockout but suffered a severe injury after the fight. He underwent brain surgery through a subdural hematoma. Unfortunately, on September 8, it became known that he did not survive.
Urakava, also 28 years old, succumbed to injuries on September 9 after sustaining injuries in a bout against Yodzi Saito, where he was knocked out. He also underwent surgery for treating a subdural hematoma.
The World Boxing Organization expressed condolences to the families of both boxers and noted that this is a significant loss for Japanese boxing. The Japanese boxing commission announced new rules, under which title fights in the OABF will now consist of 10 rounds instead of 12.
Tags: Sport/Boxing