A second tragic death has shaken the boxing world as 28-year-old Hiromasa Urakawa succumbed to injuries sustained in a knockout loss against Yoji Saito on August 2 in Tokyo. This incident follows closely on the heels of Shigetoshi Kotari's death from similar injuries sustained during the same event at Korakuen Hall. Both fighters underwent emergency surgeries for subdural hematoma, a dangerous condition marked by blood accumulation between the skull and brain.
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) expressed its sorrow, stating, "We mourn the passing of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to injuries". The organization extended their condolences to the families of the deceased and the broader Japanese boxing community. This wave of grief comes just days after Kotari's demise, amplifying fears concerning the safety of athletes in the sport.
In response to these tragedies, the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) announced a significant rule change, reducing the number of rounds for Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation title bouts from 12 to 10. Reports indicate an investigation has commenced to examine the events leading to these fatalities, with a meeting scheduled for September to discuss findings and necessary reforms.
Urakawa is noted as the third high-profile boxing casualty of 2025, with Irish boxer John Cooney having previously died in February from an intracranial hemorrhage post-fight in Belfast. The boxing community now faces renewed scrutiny over fighter safety measures, calling into question the protocols in place ahead of and during bouts.
