**Tragic Loss in the Boxing World: Second Death Following Tokyo Fight**
Two young boxers in Japan have tragically lost their lives due to severe injuries sustained during a recent event in Tokyo, raising concerns about safety in the sport.
On August 2, during a match in Tokyo's Korakuen Hall, Hiromasa Urakawa, 28, was knocked out in the eighth round and died on August 5. His death follows that of Shigetoshi Kotari, who also suffered fatal injuries in a separate fight on the same card. Both boxers experienced brain injuries known as subdural haematomas, prompting the World Boxing Organization to express sorrow over these losses. In response to these tragic events, the Japan Boxing Commission has reduced round limits for title bouts and initiated an investigation into these incidents. Urakawa's passing marks the third notable boxing fatality in 2025, following the death of Irish boxer John Cooney earlier this year.
Two young boxers in Japan have tragically lost their lives due to severe injuries sustained during a recent event in Tokyo, raising concerns about safety in the sport.
On August 2, during a match in Tokyo's Korakuen Hall, Hiromasa Urakawa, 28, was knocked out in the eighth round and died on August 5. His death follows that of Shigetoshi Kotari, who also suffered fatal injuries in a separate fight on the same card. Both boxers experienced brain injuries known as subdural haematomas, prompting the World Boxing Organization to express sorrow over these losses. In response to these tragic events, the Japan Boxing Commission has reduced round limits for title bouts and initiated an investigation into these incidents. Urakawa's passing marks the third notable boxing fatality in 2025, following the death of Irish boxer John Cooney earlier this year.
