Two Japanese boxers who competed on the same event at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo on August 2 2025 have died after suffering brain injuries in separate fights. The two men fought different opponents on that card and were taken to hospital after their matches.
What happened to Shigetoshi Kotari
Shigetoshi Kotari fought Yamato Hata in a 12 round bout for the OPBF junior lightweight title on August 2. He collapsed after the fight and was diagnosed with an acute subdural hematoma. He had emergency brain surgery but died on August 8 at age 28. Kotari’s recorded professional record was eight wins two draws and two losses.
What happened to Hiromasa Urakawa
Hiromasa Urakawa lost by stoppage in the eighth round to Yoji Saito on the same card. He was found to have a serious brain bleed and underwent a craniotomy. Urakawa died the next day on August 9 at age 28. His pro record was ten wins and four losses with seven knockouts.
Both fighters were treated with emergency neurosurgery after collapsing or showing symptoms following their fights. Kotari’s surgery followed the draw with Hata and did not stop the swelling. Urakawa had surgery after his eighth round knockout but did not recover. The two deaths occurred six days and seven days after the August 2 card respectively, meaning they died on August 8 and August 9. Reporting from international outlets and the Japan Boxing Commission confirmed those dates.
WBO Releases Condolences
The World Boxing Organization shared two separate statements on their social media account:
“Rest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari
The boxing world mourns the tragic passing of Japanese fighter Shigetoshi Kotari, who succumbed to injuries sustained during his August 2nd title fight
A warrior in the ring. A fighter in spirit. Gone too soon
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, team, and the entire Japanese boxing community.”
Rest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari 🕊️
The boxing world mourns the tragic passing of Japanese fighter Shigetoshi Kotari, who succumbed to injuries sustained during his August 2nd title fight.
A warrior in the ring. A fighter in spirit. Gone too soon.
Our thoughts and prayers are… pic.twitter.com/PjZtDyBIU2
— WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) August 8, 2025
The next day, the WBO wrote:
“The WBO mourns the passing of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during his fight against Yoji Saito on August 2 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo
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.”
The WBO mourns the passing of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during his fight against Yoji Saito on August 2 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.
This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from… pic.twitter.com/CDzoSmKU2d
— WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) August 9, 2025
In response to the twin tragedies, the Japan Boxing Commission announced that all OPBF title fights in Japan will now be limited to 10 rounds instead of 12. Officials plan to hold emergency meetings to review safety protocols, including weighing and medical monitoring for dehydration or head injuries.
These deaths echo earlier tragedies in boxing history. In the 1980s, Francisco “Kiko” Bejines died after a world title fight, prompting the WBC to reduce title bouts from 15 to 12 rounds. In 2005, Leavander Johnson’s death led to stricter medical checks in the sport. The recent losses underscore the persistent risks fighters face and the need for ongoing safety improvements.
