10.08.2025 22:19
In a boxing tournament held in Tokyo, Japan, on August 2, boxers Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, who competed in different matches, passed away one day apart. Following the deaths, it was decided that all Oriental and OPBF title fights would be held for 10 rounds instead of 12.
On August 2nd, a title match was held in Tokyo, Japan, where 28-year-old Shigetoshi Kotari completed a 12-round fight. However, he collapsed after the match due to blows he received to his head during the fight. Shigetoshi underwent brain surgery and passed away on Friday.
2 BOXERS DIED IN THE SAME TOURNAMENT
In a statement made on the World Boxing Organization's (WBO) X social media account regarding the matter, it was noted that Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa also passed away yesterday after undergoing surgery due to a blow to the head he received during his match in a different ring in the same tournament.
The statement reminded that the news of Hiromasa's death came after Shigetoshi's passing, expressing, "We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community during this extremely difficult time."
FIGHTS REDUCED TO 10 ROUNDS
Following these events, the Japan Boxing Commission announced that all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title matches will now be held for 10 rounds instead of 12.