The boxing community was shocked by the news of a second fighter’s death on the same fight card in Tokyo. Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa passed away after sustaining a brain injury during a bout against Yoji Saito on August 2. This tragedy follows the death of Shigetoshi Kotari on the same night.
Both Urakawa and Kotari, aged 28, faced fatal outcomes from injuries sustained during their matches. Urakawa, with 10 wins and seven KOs in his career, underwent surgery but unfortunately did not survive.
This marks the third boxing fatality of the year, with John Cooney also succumbing to injuries earlier in February. The World Boxing Organization (WBO) expressed its condolences for Urakawa’s passing and extended support to the affected families and the boxing community in Japan.
In response to Kotari’s death, the Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation has implemented new regulations. Title fights under the OPBF will now be limited to 10 rounds instead of the usual 12.
Ring Magazine expressed sorrow over Urakawa’s demise, emphasizing the severity of the brain injury he suffered during the fight. Mark Dunlop, Cooney’s manager, acknowledged the risks associated with boxing and emphasized the awareness within the sport community.
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