The boxing community was shocked by the news of a second fighter’s death on the same night in Tokyo. Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa passed away after sustaining a brain injury during a match with Yoji Saito on August 2. This tragedy followed the death of Shigetoshi Kotari on the same evening.
Both Urakawa and Kotari, aged 28, faced fatal consequences from injuries suffered during their bouts. Urakawa, with a record of 10 wins and seven knockouts, underwent surgery but unfortunately did not survive. This marks the third boxing fatality this year, including Kotari and Irish boxer John Cooney, who lost his life in February due to an intracranial hemorrhage.
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) expressed condolences for Urakawa’s passing, acknowledging the immense loss to the Japanese boxing community. The Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation has implemented rule changes after Kotari’s death, reducing title fights from 12 to 10 rounds as a safety measure.
Ring Magazine mourned Urakawa’s death, emphasizing the tragic outcome of his fight. Mark Dunlop, Cooney’s manager, highlighted the inherent risks in boxing and the awareness within the boxing community regarding these dangers.
The series of unfortunate events has prompted reflection on safety measures and risks associated with the sport, urging stakeholders to prioritize the well-being of fighters.