The boxing world is in shock following the deaths of two Japanese professional boxers, Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, from brain injuries sustained during separate bouts on August 2, 2025, in Tokyo. The news, reported by USA Today and BBC on August 9, details the tragic incidents.
Shigetoshi Kotari, 28, collapsed after a 12-round draw against Yamato Hata for the OPBF Super Featherweight title. He was rushed to the hospital for emergency brain surgery to treat a subdural hematoma. The World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) announced his death on August 8. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman expressed profound sorrow, stating the loss reinforces the need to research and implement prevention programs to make boxing safer.
Just one day later, on August 9, the WBO announced the death of Hiromasa Urakawa, also 28. Urakawa underwent brain surgery after losing to Yoji Saito in the sixth round of a fight at the same August 2 event. The WBO extended its deepest condolences to Urakawa’s family, friends, and the Japanese boxing community.
In response to these tragic events, the Japan Boxing Commission has announced a significant rule change: all East and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title fights will now be contested over 10 rounds, reduced from the previous 12-round limit.
Kotari and Urakawa are the second and third boxers to die in 2025. This follows the death of Irish boxer John Cooney, 28, who passed away on February 8 after sustaining severe head injuries, including a brain hemorrhage, during a fight against Nathan Howells in Belfast on February 1.
