Two Japanese boxers perish due to brain injuries after competing in the same boxing event
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the world of boxing has been shaken by the sudden deaths of two young boxers, Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, both aged 28, who lost their lives as a result of brain injuries sustained during fights earlier this summer.
On August 8, Japanese boxer Shigetoshi Kotari passed away following a 12-round draw with Yamato Hata on August 2. The World Boxing Council (WBC) confirmed the tragic news and expressed their condolences, deeply mourning this irreparable loss. Similarly, the WBC also expressed condolences for the death of Hiromasa Urakawa, who lost a fight by knockout on August 2.
The deaths of these two promising boxers have sparked a call for increased safety measures and regulations in the sport. To prevent such tragedies from happening again, key safety measures and regulations are being implemented. These include stricter medical protocols, such as improved medical coverage during fights and introducing urine tests to detect dehydration risks, which can exacerbate brain injury severity.
Rules to control weight loss before fights to prevent severe dehydration, a known factor that increases vulnerability to brain trauma, are also being enforced. The Japanese Boxing Commission (JBC) has taken a significant step by reducing all future Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title bouts from 12 to 10 rounds following these fatalities.
Other safety regulations include limits on sparring, enhanced investigation and prevention efforts, safety meetings involving medical experts and officials, and concussion-related education and training programs. These evolving safety regulations reflect a proactive approach to reduce the risks of fatal brain injury in boxing, motivated by recent fatalities and ongoing research into prevention.
John Cooney, a 28-year-old Irish super-featherweight fighter, also died of a brain injury this year. Details about his opponent in the fatal fight and the cause of his injury are not yet available. Cooney died after being stopped in his first Celtic title defense in February.
The tragic losses of these boxers have been reported by Japanese media, with the fights that led to their deaths taking place at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo on August 2. The boxers' opponents in these fights have not been identified.
As the boxing community mourns these losses, efforts are being made to ensure the safety and well-being of all boxers. The WBC and JBC, along with other boxing organizations, are working diligently to implement these safety measures and regulations to prevent such tragedies from happening again. Our thoughts and condolences are with the families and friends of these young boxers during this difficult time.
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Sports, such as boxing, have faced increased scrutiny following several tragic deaths of young boxers. To ensure the safety and well-being of athletes, key safety measures and regulations are being implemented, including stricter medical protocols, rules to control weight loss before fights, limits on sparring, and concussion-related education and training programs.
