Two boxers, both 28, tragically die from injuries after fighting at same event

Tragedy has struck in a boxing ring in Japan as two men have died after fighting in the same event.

Earlier this month, on August 2, boxers Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, both 28, suffered fatal brain injuries while competing on the same card, although in different fights, at the same event at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

Kotari reportedly collapsed after completing a 12-round draw against Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation junior lightweight champion Yamato Hata.

He lost consciousness after the fight and was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery.

Despite the best efforts of medics who tried to treat his subdural hematoma, a condition where blood collects between the skull and the brain, he tragically passed away just days later on Friday (August 8).

Meanwhile, Urakawa suffered a knockout loss in the ring to Yoji Saito and was taken to hospital for a craniotomy in a bid to try and save his life.

Tragically, he too died on Saturday (August 9).

As a result, the Japanese Boxing Commission has announced that all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title bouts will be reduced from 12 rounds to 10.

On Twitter, the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) paid tribute to each boxer respectively.

"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."

In a follow-up days later on August 9, the organization 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 news comes as Urakawa, a lightweight, had fought 14 times as a professional boxer (10-4, 7 KOs), and featherweight Kotari contested 12 bouts (8-2-2, 5KOs).

Before their untimely deaths, both boxers appeared to celebrate their upcoming fight on Instagram.

A day before the fight, Kotari penned: "Weigh in clear!

"Finally the time has come. What I've been accumulating. Bet it all and go win. I will definitely be a champion."

"Tomorrow at the venue, U-NEXT live broadcast. Thanks in advance for your support!

"Stay tuned. Osu."

Urakawa likewise wrote: "Passed the weigh in! Preparing for tomorrow."

"2025, I'm only going to focus on winning. Thank you for your support this year," he said in a separate post.