In an unfortunate sequence of events, 28-year-old Hiromasa Urakawa succumbed to severe brain injuries following his eighth-round knockout loss to Yoji Saito on August 2. This incident follows the recent death of fellow boxer Shigetoshi Kotari, who died just a day before after sustaining similar injuries from a different bout on the same fight card held at Korakuen Hall. Both athletes were treated for subdural hematoma, a condition involving blood accumulation between the skull and the brain.
Tragedy Strikes Again: Second Boxer Dies from Injuries Sustained in Tokyo Fight
Tragedy Strikes Again: Second Boxer Dies from Injuries Sustained in Tokyo Fight
A second Japanese boxer has tragically passed away due to injuries incurred during a boxing match in Tokyo.
The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) expressed profound sorrow over Urakawa's tragic death, stating, “We mourn the passing of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during his fight against Yoji Saito.” The organization extended heartfelt condolences to Urakawa's family, friends, and the entire Japanese boxing community during this difficult time.
In light of these events, the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) announced that all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title matches would now be limited to 10 rounds instead of the traditional 12, aiming to enhance fighter safety. Additionally, the JBC has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fighters' deaths and plans to hold a meeting in September to address safety measures in the sport.
Urakawa's death marks the third high-profile loss in boxing this year, following Irish boxer John Cooney's demise in February after suffering an intracranial hemorrhage following his fight in Belfast, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding athlete safety in professional boxing.
In light of these events, the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) announced that all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title matches would now be limited to 10 rounds instead of the traditional 12, aiming to enhance fighter safety. Additionally, the JBC has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fighters' deaths and plans to hold a meeting in September to address safety measures in the sport.
Urakawa's death marks the third high-profile loss in boxing this year, following Irish boxer John Cooney's demise in February after suffering an intracranial hemorrhage following his fight in Belfast, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding athlete safety in professional boxing.
