The boxing world is shattered right now. Tragically, we have lost two young warriors already, Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, both only 28 years old. RIP to the two boxers, who died from traumatic head injuries in separate fights on August 2nd in Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall. Kotari fell in his next bout, a 12-round draw against Yamato Hata, while Urakawa would not be seen again after being stopped by Yoji Saito.
Shigetoshi Kotari’s fight was for the prestigious Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation junior lightweight championship. After the battle, he found himself in an emergency. He required emergency cranial surgery for subdural haematoma, a potentially fatal condition involving bleeding between the brain and cranium. Due to the nature of the injuries and the medical treatment provided, Kotari passed away on Friday.
We are sorry to learn of the death of Shigetoshi Kotari, May he rest in peace. The organization added its heartfelt sympathies to those of the Kotari family, his team, and the Japanese boxing community.
Hiromasa Urakawa met a similar fate the same day. He has been killed after receiving an acute subdural haematoma in his match against Saito. Whether that’s true or not, the coincidence of their deaths has only compounded the tragedy being felt across their sport.
This tragic news comes only a few days after learning of the death of Shigetoshi Kotari. Sadly, he passed away from injuries he sustained in his war on the same card. Said the WBO, underlining the far-reaching and grave consequences of these incidents with guns on the boxing arena today.
Each fighter was hailed as a national hero in their respective countries, revered for their skill and determination. These tragic events have sparked renewed concerns about player safety and the hazards of boxing. These tragedies serve as a stark reminder of the dangers that professional athletes face in their pursuit of glory in the ring.
