Two Japanese boxers pass away during the same tournament held in Tokyo.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, two Japanese boxers, Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, passed away due to injuries sustained during separate fights at Tokyo's Korakuen Hall in August 2025.
On August 2, Kotari fought against Yamato Hata, resulting in a draw. However, the 28-year-old boxer later succumbed to acute subdural haematoma (SDH), following brain surgery. Urakawa, on the other hand, died as a result of injuries sustained during his fight against Yoji Saito, which ended in a technical knockout in the eighth round. Urakawa collapsed in the ring and was rushed to a hospital, but despite surgery, he did not recover.
This marks the first time in Japan that two fighters underwent skull-opening surgery for injuries stemming from the same event, as stated by Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, the secretary-general of the Japan Boxing Commission.
Acute SDH in boxing is primarily caused by traumatic brain injury resulting from powerful blows to the head that tear bridging veins between the brain and dura mater, leading to blood accumulation and increased intracranial pressure. This condition is particularly dangerous and often lethal without prompt surgical intervention.
The cases of Kotari and Urakawa illustrate some key causes and risk factors in boxing acute SDH. These include repeated and powerful strikes to the head, the cumulative effect of head trauma over multiple rounds or fights, the use of high-contact combat techniques inherent to boxing, and potentially delayed recognition of neurological symptoms post-fight, leading to late intervention.
Specific risks highlighted by these cases include high-intensity, prolonged exposure during fights (as Kotari fought 12 rounds), immediate and severe brain injury symptoms such as loss of consciousness or collapse, and the fact that surgery is necessary but not always sufficient to prevent death, indicating the critical need for prevention and early detection.
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has extended its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community in the wake of this tragic news. The brutal nature of the sport means the risk can never be completely eliminated, underscoring the importance of stringent safety protocols like the "Red Flag Policy" to identify at-risk fighters early and potentially reduce fatalities.
This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with boxing and the need for continued efforts to ensure the safety of all boxers.
In memory of Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, who passed away due to injuries sustained during separate fights in Malaysia's sister country, Japan, it is crucial for sports safety protocols to be strictly implemented, especially in contact sports like boxing. Malaysia, being a nation that values sports and its athletes' well-being, could advocate for the adoption of the WBO's "Red Flag Policy" to identify at-risk fighters early and potentially reduce fatalities, thereby setting an exemplary standard in the sporting community.
