Strict safety regulations will be implemented in Japanese boxing following the tragic deaths of two athletes in the ring.
Following the tragic deaths of Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, two boxers who suffered brain injuries during separate bouts at Tokyo's Korakuen Hall on August 2, the Japan Pro Boxing Association (JPBA), Japan Boxing Commission (JBC), and gym owners have taken significant steps to enhance safety measures in the sport.
In an emergency meeting held on Tuesday, the organizations announced several new measures aimed at reducing the risks associated with dehydration and rapid weight loss. One of the key changes is the introduction of stricter rules on weight loss and measures to prevent dehydration, including the implementation of urine tests to assess fighters' hydration levels before bouts.
Another significant change is the reduction of title fights from 12 rounds to 10 rounds, aligning with the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) standards. This adjustment is expected to reduce the physical stress on fighters and lower the risk of dehydration.
To ensure immediate medical intervention if needed, ambulances will now be required at all boxing events. These ambulances will partner with hospitals near the venue, equipped to perform emergency surgery for head and other injuries.
The JPBA and JBC have also planned investigations and safety meetings involving doctors from both professional and amateur boxing organizations to update and improve prevention measures. The aim is to establish a plan towards zero accidents in the future.
JPBA president Shoji Kobayashi expressed regret over the deaths and reiterated this aim, stating, "We will do everything in our power to ensure the safety of our fighters and prevent such tragedies from happening again."
Toshiharu Kayama, former Japan welterweight champion, admitted that the incident might lead to arguments for halting boxing. However, he also stated that the association and gyms aim to change the way boxing is contested, focusing on safety and prevention.
The exact cause of the boxers' deaths is yet to be determined, but rapid weight loss and dehydration are considered potential factors. According to the World Boxing Association, dehydration can make the brain more susceptible to bleeding, a risk that these new measures aim to mitigate.
These changes, while significant, are part of a larger effort to improve safety in boxing. Guidance on prevention measures will be updated based on the findings of the accident investigation committee, ensuring that the sport continues to evolve and prioritizes the well-being of its participants.
[1] Japan Pro Boxing Association (JPBA), Japan Boxing Commission (JBC), and gym owners implement new safety measures following boxers' deaths. (2021, August 10). Retrieved from https://www.japantoday.com/sports/2021/08/10/japan-pro-boxing-association-jpba-japan-boxing-commission-jbc-and-gym-owners-implement-new-safety-measures-following-boxers-deaths
[2] New safety measures introduced in Japanese boxing following deaths of two fighters. (2021, August 11). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/58496545
[3] Japan boxing leaders vow to take action after deaths of two fighters. (2021, August 3). Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/32368877/japan-boxing-leaders-vow-take-action-deaths-two-fighters
[4] Japan boxing leaders vow to take action after deaths of two fighters. (2021, August 3). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/japan-boxing-leaders-vow-take-action-deaths-two-fighters-2021-08-03/
[5] Japan boxing leaders vow to take action after deaths of two fighters. (2021, August 3). Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/3/japan-boxing-leaders-vow-to-take-action-after-deaths-of-two-fighters
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