Gofrixty [14 August 2025] – Two Japanese boxers, Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, tragically died during a single boxing event at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo in early August 2025. Both men were 28 years old and suffered fatal brain injuries after completing grueling 12-round title fights. The news shocked fans worldwide and reignited conversations about safety in combat sports.
During the matches, both boxers sustained repeated blows to the head, leading to subdural hematomas, a type of severe brain bleeding. Despite immediate medical attention at the venue, neither Kotari nor Urakawa survived. Their deaths marked one of the deadliest days in recent Japanese boxing history and drew global attention to the risks inherent in professional boxing.
In response to the tragedy, the Japan Boxing Commission quickly announced stricter safety measures. Officials now require pre-bout urine tests to ensure fighters are not overexerting themselves through extreme dehydration or weight-cutting practices. The Commission also set limits on rapid weight loss, which can compromise brain and overall physical safety during fights. Furthermore, enhanced emergency medical support
