Two Japanese boxers have died on each other after maintaining brain injuries in different matches on the same fight card.
The World Boxing Federation on Saturday confirmed the deaths in Tokyo’s prestigious Korakin Hall on Saturday.
Deaths have ruled the immediate debate on boxing safety rules in Japan – quarrels and duration of Ringside Medical Protocol.
What do we know about the deaths of boxers?
The 28-year-old Shigtoshi Kotari fell immediately after completing the 12-round tie against Junior Lightweight Champion Yamato Hata on 2 August.
Hey was transported in emergency surgery to a subdural hematoma, known as brain bleeding, a living condition where blood pool-but died on Friday between the brain and the skull.
World Boxing Council confirmed Kotari’s death Continuous injuries are directly connected during bouts.
A day later, Hiromasa Urkawa, i.e. 28, Yoji Sato died after suffering the same type of brain injury during knockout damage.
The lightweight fighter was knocked in eight rounds and had to pass through a craniotomy in a dialect to save his life.
Boxing ‘warrior’ is paid
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) paid tribute to Kotari on social media.
The statement said, “The world of boxing mourns the tragic passage of Japanese fighter Shigatoshi Kotari, who died due to injuries during his August 2 title.”
“A warrior in the ring. A fighter in the soul. Gone very soon.”
Kotari’s gym released a heartfelt statement on its website:
“Hey gave everything – after suffering from an acute sub -hematoma to fight through surgery and treatment at a Tokyo Hospital. He never stopped struggling.”
After Urakawa’s death, WBO released a different message expressing deep condolences to families, friends and Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time.
How has Japan’s boxing regulator responded?
Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) General Secretary Tsuyoshi Yasukochi told the local media on Saturday that “for the first time in Japan, two fighters underwent a skull-up surgery for injuries arising from the same incident.”
In response, JBC announced that all oriental and Pacific boxing Federation Title matches will now be reduced to 10 to 10 from 12 rounds.
Urakawa’s death is fatal this year due to injuries, the third boxing worldwide is fatal.
Last year, Irish boxer John Cony died a week later after a week, who was hospitalized after the defeat of his Celtic Super-Fedeweight title for Nathan Havals in Belfast.
Hey suffered a serious brain injury during the bout.
Calls for tight oversight of boxing – both Japan and International – are gaining momentum after becoming fatal.
Advocates are demanding strict enforcement of low fighting periods, compulsory post-fight medical scans and consent protocols.
Edited by: Carl Sexton
