Two boxers die after separate fights on the same card as emergency rule change brought in

Two Japanese boxers have died from brain injuries in separate bouts from the same card at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall event on August 2nd.

Shigetoshi Kotari collapsed after his 12-round draw with Yamato Hata earlier this month and underwent emergency brain surgery for a subdural hematoma.

However, Kotari tragically lost his life six days after the event.

“Rest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari,” the World Boxing Organisation posted across their official social media channels.

“The boxing world mourns the tragic passing of Japanese fighter Shigetoshi Kotari, who succumbed to injuries sustained during his August 2nd title fight.

“A warrior in the ring. A fighter in spirit. Gone too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, team, and the entire Japanese boxing community.”

Kotari and Urakawa both succumbed to injury

On Saturday, Hiromasa Urakawa passed away after suffering the same injury in his knockout loss to Yoji Saito.

The 28-year-old had undergone a craniotomy but Urakawa sadly passed away from injuries over the weekend.

"The WBO mourns the passing of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during his fight against Yoji Saito on August 2 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo," the WBO said in another social post on Saturday.

“This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from injuries suffered in his fight on the same card.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time.”

In an eerie turn of events, both Kotari and Urakawa faced off in April last year.

As a result of the tragedies, the Japanese Boxing Commission moved to swiftly amend their rules, making all OPBF title fights to last 10 rounds rather than the previous 12 to help lower the risk of serious injury.

In addition, the boxing world has demanded an investigation to ensure that the events of August 2nd are never repeated.

“Y’all might wanna test every fighter from the August 2nd event. RIP,” one boxing fan commented.

“Two deaths in the same event, heartbreaking. Boxing is a gladiator sport; rest in peace to both men,” another added.

“R.I.P. yeah, you guys need to launch an investigation,” a third boxing fan stated in the wake of the tragic event over the past week.

John Cooney passed away earlier this year

The passing of Kotari and Urakawa marked the second and third deaths in the boxing world in 2025.

In February, Irish boxer John Cooney lost his life after spending a week in intensive care following his Celtic super-featherweight title defeat to Nathan Howells in Belfast, which was stopped in the ninth round.

The 28-year-old underwent emergency surgery when it was discovered he had an intracranial haemorrhage.

“After a week of battling for his life John Cooney has sadly passed away,” a statement read.

“He was a much loved son, brother and partner and it will take us all a lifetime to forget how special he was. RIP John ‘the Kid’ Cooney.

“Mr. and Mrs. Cooney and his fiancée Emmaleen would like to thank the staff at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital who have worked tirelessly to save John’s life and for everyone who has sent messages of support and prayers.”