Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, both 28-year-old Japanese boxers, have died from brain injuries sustained during separate fights at the same boxing event in Tokyo. The tragic news was confirmed by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) about a week after the August 2 event.
"We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time," the WBO stated in their social media announcement.
Kotari, a super featherweight who fought to a draw against fellow Japanese boxer Yamato Hata in a twelve-round bout, lost consciousness shortly after his match ended. His boxing club, M.T. Boxing Gym, announced on their website that he passed away on Friday evening following emergency brain surgery.
Interestingly, both boxers required brain operations after being rushed to hospital following their respective fights.
Urakawa, who competed in the lightweight division, was stopped in the eighth and final round of his fight against Yoji Saito. According to local media reports, he succumbed to his injuries on Saturday evening, just one day after Kotari's death.
The double tragedy has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, raising renewed concerns about fighter safety in the sport. Two deaths at a single event — has there ever been a darker weekend in boxing's recent history?
