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A tragic incident occurred in the world of Japanese boxing, with two boxers losing their lives due to injuries sustained during fights on the same card.
Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, both 28 years old, suffered fatal brain injuries.
Kotari collapsed after a 12-round draw against Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation junior lightweight champion Yamato Hata on August 2.
Two Japanese boxers have died after suffering brain injuries during their fights on the same card. (Andreas Rentz/Bongarts/Getty Images)
He underwent emergency brain surgery for a subdural hematoma but unfortunately passed away on Friday.
Urakawa suffered a knockout loss to Yoji Saito and also required a brain operation, a craniotomy, in an attempt to save his life.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time,” expressed the World Boxing Organization via social media.
The Japanese Boxing Commission has responded by reducing all OPBF title bouts from 12 rounds to 10.
It was far from the first death in the boxing ring. (iStock)
A Nigerian boxer also tragically passed away after collapsing in the ring during a fight in April.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
