Japan’s boxing world is in mourning after two young fighters died during the same event at Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, on August 2, 2025. Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, both 28, succumbed to severe brain injuries sustained in separate bouts at the same venue. The incident prompted swift action from boxing organizations and local authorities to tighten safety regulations for athletes.

Kotari underwent emergency surgery after suffering a severe brain hemorrhage. Six days later, on August 8, 2025, he passed away. Just a day later, Urakawa, who sustained a similar head injury in a different match that same night, also died. This devastating event has marked one of the darkest moments in modern Japanese boxing history and sparked widespread calls for safety reforms in the sport.

The matches at Korakuen Hall were intense and physically demanding. Kotari engaged in a grueling fight that resulted in a brain bleed. Hours later, Urakawa stepped into the ring and suffered a similar injury. Both fighters were rushed to a nearby hospital and underwent surgery, but their critical conditions left doctors unable to save them.

In direct response to the tragedy, the regional boxing body announced a change to championship match formats. The previous 12-round structure has been shortened to 10 rounds. This measure aims to reduce the risk of extreme fatigue and severe injury among boxers, signaling that athlete safety is now an absolute priority.

The Japan Boxing Commission quickly called an internal meeting to discuss stricter safety procedures. The agenda included a review of pre-fight medical checks, updated in-bout medical protocols, and the potential use of impact-monitoring technology during matches.

The commission’s secretary-general emphasized the body’s full responsibility to ensure that such incidents never happen again.

The tragedy has shaken the boxing community both in Japan and abroad. Trainers, retired fighters, and fans are calling for a major overhaul of athlete health monitoring systems. Many believe that reducing the number of rounds is only the first step, and that broader measures are needed to create a safer yet still competitive environment.

The deaths of Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa serve as a stark reminder that while boxing is rich in prestige and competitive spirit, it carries inherent risks for its athletes. From the ring at Korakuen Hall, the lasting message is clear: safety must always stand above all else, even amid the drive to become a champion.

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BoxingHiromasa UrakawaShigetoshi KotariTokyo