In Japan, two boxers died from injuries sustained during a fight in the ring

• Two Japanese boxers died from injuries sustained during a fight in the ring.
• The Japan Boxing Association reduced the number of rounds to 10.
• The WBC president called for increased safety measures in boxing.

A tragic incident occurred in the world of boxing in Japan: two boxers died from injuries sustained during a fight in the ring on September 2 in Tokyo.

Shigetoshi Kotari died on September 8, the day after the announcement of the death of Hiramasa Urakawa, who also died from injuries sustained in a fight with Yodji Saito.

Both athletes underwent treatment for injuries from subdural hematomas. Kotari, who was fighting for the super featherweight title, after the fight suffered a loss of consciousness and required emergency surgery on his brain.

Urakawa was knocked out in the eighth round and also underwent surgery after being transported to the hospital.

The Japan Boxing Association (JBC) reacted to the tragedy, announcing that fighters on OPBF cards will now compete in 10 rounds instead of 12.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, calling for stronger safety measures in boxing.

Additionally, super featherweight champion Yamato Hata also sustained an injury and is currently undergoing treatment.

This tragedy has sparked discussions among boxing circles and fans, as just earlier in 2023, two other boxers died after fights in the ring.

Tags: Sport/Boxing