Two Japanese Boxers Die from Brain Injuries

(MENAFN) A second professional boxer from Japan has passed away due to a brain injury sustained during a sporting event in Tokyo.

Hiromasa Urakawa, 28, died on Saturday after being knocked out in the eighth round of his match against Yoji Saito on 2 August.

This incident came just a day after the death of Shigetoshi Kotari, who succumbed to injuries from a separate fight on the same card held at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall.

Both fighters underwent surgery for subdural haematoma — a medical condition where blood accumulates between the skull and the brain.

The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) stated it "mourns the passing of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during his fight against Yoji Saito".

It further added: "This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from injuries suffered in his fight on the same card.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time."

Following the tragedy, the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) declared that all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title contests will be shortened from 12 rounds to 10.

According to Japanese media reports, the JBC has begun an investigation and intends to hold a meeting in September to address the fatalities.

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