Boxing Community Grieves as Second Japanese Boxer Dies from Injuries

Hiromasa Urakawa's passing adds to mounting concerns over safety in the sport following two fatalities in one event.

 

In a tragic turn of events, 28-year-old Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa passed away on Saturday after sustaining critical injuries during a match in Tokyo. Urakawa took part in a fight against Yoji Saito on 2 August, where he was knocked out in the eighth round. His death follows that of fellow boxer Shigetoshi Kotari, who died the previous Friday after suffering injuries in a separate bout on the same card at Korakuen Hall.

Both Urakawa and Kotari underwent surgery for subdural haematoma, a serious condition characterized by blood accumulation between the skull and the brain. The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) expressed its condolences for Urakawa's passing, noting the heartbreaking nature of such news shortly after Kotari's death. "We extend our deepest sympathies to the families, friends, and community of Japanese boxing during this incredibly challenging time," the WBO stated.

In response to the alarming incidents, the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) announced a new regulation, reducing the length of Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title fights from 12 rounds to 10. Japanese media reports indicate an investigation has been launched by the JBC, which is set to convene in September to discuss the fatalities.

Urakawa's death marks the third significant loss in professional boxing this year, as Irish boxer John Cooney tragically died in February due to an intracranial hemorrhage he sustained after a fight in Belfast.