Japan Tightens Rules on Rapid Weight Loss After the Deaths of Boxers

• Japanese boxing organizations have strengthened the rules on weight loss.
• Title fights will soon be shortened from 12 rounds to 10 rounds.
• A medical seminar is planned to discuss the safety of boxers.

This was reported by L'Équipe, Marca.

Japanese organizations that regulate boxing announced the strengthening of rules regarding rapid weight loss after the deaths of two boxers, Kōtarō Shigetoshi and Hiramasa Urakawa, who both suffered injuries during their bouts on August 2. Both athletes were 28 years old.

The Japan Professional Boxing Association (JPBA) and the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) plan to introduce stricter rules regarding weight loss, including conducting tests to assess dehydration.

The crisis arose after Kōtarō sustained injuries that led to surgery for the removal of part of his brain, but he did not survive. Urakawa also sustained a serious injury during the fight and died after emergency surgery.

At a press conference in Tokyo, JBC representatives stated that they would begin investigating the causes of these tragedies. The head of the commission, Minoru Hagihara, emphasized the seriousness of the situation and the need for the implementation of measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Among the first measures already announced are the shortening of title fights from 12 to 10 rounds. A medical seminar is also planned for the beginning of next month to discuss the safety of boxers.

The government plans to impose penalties for boxers who violate weight limits after official weigh-ins, and work on tightening regulations in the future.

Tags: Sport/Boxing