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Andreas Hale
Japanese boxers Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa have died following mind accidents sustained whereas competing on the identical card, though in several fights, at Korakuen Corridor in Japan on Aug. 2.
Kotari, 28, went to a 12-round draw in opposition to Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation junior light-weight champion Yamato Hata and misplaced consciousness shortly after the combat. He underwent mind surgical procedure to deal with a subdural hematoma, the place blood collects between the cranium and the mind. On Friday, it was introduced that he succumbed to the mind harm.
“Relaxation in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari,” the World Boxing Group wrote on social media. “The boxing world mourns the tragic passing of Japanese fighter Shigetoshi Kotari, who succumbed to accidents sustained throughout his August 2nd title combat. A warrior within the ring. A fighter in spirit. Gone too quickly. Our ideas and prayers are along with his household, staff, and your complete Japanese boxing group.”
Urakawa, additionally 28, handed away on Saturday after sustaining mind accidents in his knockout loss to Yoji Saito. He underwent a craniotomy to additionally deal with a subdural hematoma.
“The WBO mourns the passing of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to accidents sustained throughout his combat in opposition to Yoji Saito on August 2 at Korakuen Corridor in Tokyo,” the WBO introduced on social media Saturday. “This heartbreaking information comes simply days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from accidents suffered in his combat on the identical card. We lengthen our deepest condolences to the households, buddies, and the Japanese boxing group throughout this extremely tough time.”
The WBO mourns the passing of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to accidents sustained throughout his combat in opposition to Yoji Saito on August 2 at Korakuen Corridor in Tokyo.
This heartbreaking information comes simply days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from… pic.twitter.com/CDzoSmKU2d
— WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) August 9, 2025
The Japanese Boxing Fee introduced following the Aug. 2 card that each one Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation title bouts can be 10 rounds as an alternative of 12.