Another Japanese boxer has sadly passed away following injuries sustained during an event in Tokyo last week, Afrosport reports.
Hiromasa Urakawa was confirmed dead on Saturday from brain injuries he suffered in a bout against Yoji Saito on 2 August. The 28-year-old lost to Saito via an eighth-round knockout before being rushed to hospital for a craniotomy.
His death comes just one day after Shigetoshi Kotari died from injuries suffered in a separate fight on the same card at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.
Both Urakawa and Kotari reportedly underwent surgery for a subdural haematoma – a condition in which blood collects between the skull and the brain – but neither was able to recover.
The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) issued a statement saying it “mourns the passing of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during his fight against Yoji Saito.”
The WBO added that: “This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari. We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time.”
Following Kotari’s passing on Friday the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) announced that all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title fights will be reduced from 12 rounds to 10.
According to reports from Japanese media, the JBC has also launched an investigation and will hold a meeting in September to discuss the incidents.
Urakawa is the third notable boxer to die in 2025, following the death of Irishman John Cooney in February. The 28-year-old died from an intracranial haemorrhage sustained during a fight against Welshman Nathan Howells in Belfast.
