A photo of Hiromasa Urakawa and Shigetoshi Kotari
Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, 28, tragically passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025 due to brain injuries sustained during his fight against Yoji Saito on August 2, 2025.
Hiromasa Urakawa was knocked out in the eighth round of the bout held at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall.
This incident follows the death of fellow Japanese boxer Shigetoshi Kotari, who also suffered fatal brain injuries during a separate match on the same card.
Both boxers underwent surgery for subdural hematoma, a condition where blood collects between the skull and the brain.
The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) said, “It mourns the passing of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during his fight against Yoji Saito”.
It added: “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 Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) has announced a significant rule change in response to recent incidents. Following the tragic deaths of Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa.
The JBC has decided to reduce the length of Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title bouts from 12 rounds to 10 rounds. This change aims to enhance fighter safety and minimize the risk of severe injuries.
Japanese media has reported that the JBC has also launched an investigation and is planning to hold a meeting in September to discuss the deaths.
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
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