Tragic Loss: Another Boxer From the Same Event Suffers Fatal Brain Injury
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the world of boxing has been rocked by the tragic deaths of three high-profile boxers this year. The latest incident occurred in Japan on August 2, 2025, where two boxers, Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, lost their lives a day apart following brain injuries sustained during separate fights at Tokyo's Korakuen Hall.
Shigetoshi Kotari, 28, collapsed after a 12-round draw for the OPBF super-featherweight title and passed away from a subdural hematoma despite emergency brain surgery. Hiromasa Urakawa also suffered a fatal brain injury, succumbing to his wounds after a craniotomy following his 8th-round knockout against Yoji Sato.
Earlier in the year, in February 2025, Irish boxer John Cooney died from an intracranial hemorrhage incurred during his title fight in Belfast.
The tragic losses have sparked significant concerns about the safety of boxing, with the Japanese Boxing Commission taking immediate action. All Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation title bouts have been reduced from 12 rounds to 10, and the commission has launched an investigation into the incidents, with plans for a meeting in September 2025 to discuss further safety measures.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman and the WBO have both expressed their condolences for the deaths of Kotari, Cooney, and Urakawa. The WBC called for continued research to make boxing safer, while the WBO mourned the passing of Urakawa and extended condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community.
John Cooney's family, through MGB Promotions, released a statement thanking everyone who sent messages of support and prayers. Cooney's promoter also thanked the staff at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital for their efforts. Cooney was remembered as a much-loved son, brother, and partner, and his fiancée Emmaleen also mourned his death.
The proximity of Kotari and Urakawa's deaths on the same card has especially highlighted the risks inherent in the sport and prompted regulatory changes and investigations. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that boxers face in the ring and the need for continued efforts to ensure their safety.
[1] Japanese Boxing Commission statement on the incidents and safety measures. [2] WBC statement on the death of Shigetoshi Kotari. [3] WBO statement on the death of Hiromasa Urakawa. [4] MGB Promotions statement on behalf of John Cooney's family. [5] Royal Victoria Hospital staff statement on John Cooney's care. [6] John Cooney's family's statement thanking supporters. [7] Emmaleen's statement mourning John Cooney's death. [8] News article on the third high-profile boxer death of 2025. [9] News article on the investigation launched by the Japanese Boxing Commission. [10] News article on the regulatory changes implemented by the Japanese Boxing Commission.
[1] The Japanese Boxing Commission, in light of the recent tragedies, has announced a thorough investigation into the incidents and plans to discuss additional safety measures in September 2025. [2] The WBC expresses its deepest condolences for the loss of Shigetoshi Kotari, a promising boxer, and calls for continuous research to make boxing safer. [3] The WBO mourns the loss of Hiromasa Urakawa and extends its sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and the Japanese boxing community.
