11 Aug 2025, 12:21
Two Japanese Boxers Died from Brain Injuries
- The two boxers passed away after suffering injuries during a single event.
- The Japanese boxing commission is reviewing the title fights.
- The families of the deceased received condolences from boxing organizations.
This was reported by NBC News, The Yomiuri Shimbun.
/ By: Reuters
Two Japanese boxers died from brain injuries sustained during separate bouts at a single event in Tokyo. Katori Shigetoshi passed away on Friday, and Urakawa Hironaka on Saturday, after suffering injuries during the match that took place on August 2 at the Korakuen Hall.
The two boxers, both 28 years old, underwent surgery for brain injuries due to subdural hematomas, which are blood accumulations beneath the skull. Katori sustained his injury during a bout against Yamato Hato, which ended in a knockout, while Urakawa sustained his during a fight with Yodji Saito, where he also faced a knockout.
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased and the Japanese boxing community. They noted that this is an extraordinarily difficult time for everyone involved in boxing in Japan.
In response to this tragedy, the Japanese boxing commission announced that all title fights will now be shortened from 12 to 10 rounds. Earlier this year, another boxer, Irishman John Cooney, also died from brain injuries after his bout.
Tags: Sport/Boxing