Japanese boxer Shigetoshi Kotari has died at the age of 28, six days after collapsing from a brain injury sustained in a title fight in Tokyo, the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) said Friday(August 8).
Kotari was competing against Yamato Hata for the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) super featherweight title on August 2 at Korakuen Hall. The 12-round match ended in a draw, but moments later Kotari told his team he felt unwell and collapsed in his corner.
He was taken to a Tokyo hospital, where doctors diagnosed an acute subdural hematoma, bleeding between the brain and skull. Surgeons performed a craniotomy to relieve pressure, but his condition did not improve, the JBC said. Kotari died on August 8.
A subdural hematoma is a life-threatening condition that can develop after blows to the head. Symptoms may appear suddenly or be delayed, making timely medical intervention critical.
The World Boxing Organization paid tribute on social media, writing: “Rest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari 🕊️. A warrior in the ring. A fighter in spirit. Gone too soon.”
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Kotari’s death came just one day after Hiromasa Urakawa, another 28-year-old fighter on the same event card, died from a similar injury. Urakawa’s bout was stopped after he was knocked down multiple times. He also underwent emergency brain surgery but did not survive.The twin tragedies have sparked urgent calls for reform in Japan’s boxing community. The JBC announced on Saturday(August 9) that it will reduce OPBF title fights from 12 rounds to 10 rounds in an effort to reduce risks to fighters. Other safety measures, including weigh-in rules and hydration protocols, are under review.Rise of Kotari
Kotari, born in Nagoya and fighting out of Kanagawa, turned professional in late 2010s. He compiled a record of eight wins, two draws, and two losses, and was considered a disciplined, skillful competitor. The day before the fight, he posted on Instagram: “Finally the time has come. What I’ve been accumulating, bet it all and go win. I will definitely be a champion.”
The deaths of Kotari and Urakawa have shaken the sport in Japan and abroad, reminding fighters and fans alike of boxing’s inherent dangers. “The sport will never forget him,” the WBO said, “and safety must come first moving forward.”
AloJapan.com