The world of boxing was shocked by the news of a second fighter’s death on the same event in Tokyo. Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa passed away after sustaining a brain injury during a bout with Yoji Saito. This tragic incident follows the death of Shigetoshi Kotari on the same night.
Both Urakawa and Kotari, aged 28, faced fatal outcomes after their matches. Urakawa, with a record of 10 wins and seven knockouts, underwent surgery in an attempt to save his life but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
This marks the third boxing fatality this year, with John Cooney from Ireland tragically losing his life in February due to an intracranial haemorrhage during a fight. The World Boxing Organization (WBO) expressed condolences for Urakawa’s passing and announced rule changes in response to Kotari’s death.
The Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation has adjusted regulations, reducing the number of rounds in title fights to 10 following Kotari’s tragedy. Ring Magazine also mourned Urakawa’s death and offered sympathies to his family.
Mark Dunlop, Cooney’s manager, emphasized the risks involved in boxing, acknowledging that everyone in the sport is aware of its dangers. The boxing community mourns the loss of these talented athletes and continues to address safety measures in the aftermath of these incidents.
