Japanese boxers Hiromasa Urakawa and Shigetoshi Kotari passed away on August 2 after suffering brain injuries while participating in separate bouts on the same card at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall.
Kotari, 28, lost consciousness soon after a 12-round tie with junior lightweight champion Yamato Hata of the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation. In order to address a subdural hematoma—a condition in which blood pooled between the skull and the brain—he had brain surgery. He passed away as a result of the injury, it was confirmed on Friday.
On social media, the World Boxing Organization posted:
“Rest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari,”. “The boxing world mourns the tragic passing of Japanese fighter Shigetoshi Kotari, who succumbed to injuries sustained during his August 2nd title fight. A warrior in the ring. A fighter in spirit. Gone too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, team, and the entire Japanese boxing community.”
“The WBO mourns the passing of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during his fight against Yoji Saito on August 2 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo,”
“This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from injuries suffered in his fight on the same card. We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time.”
The WBO mourns the passing of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during his fight against Yoji Saito on August 2 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.
This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from… pic.twitter.com/CDzoSmKU2d
— WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) August 9, 2025
After suffering brain damage after his knockout loss to Yoji Saito, Urakawa, who was also 28 years old, passed away on Saturday.
