Two Japanese boxers have died days after suffering brain injuries in separate fights on the same card at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall.
Shigetoshi Kotari died on Friday and Hiromasa Urakawa on Saturday after being injured in their fights on August 2, Japanese media said.
Both 28-year-old boxers underwent operations for subdural haematoma, or bleeding inside the skull, the reports said.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time,” the World Boxing Organization said in a statement on Saturday about Urakawa, who had lost to Yoji Saito in a knockout.
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Kotari died as a result of the injury he sustained while fighting Yamato Hata to a draw in 12 rounds, the World Boxing Council said on Friday.
Urakawa died after suffering the same injury, having undergone a craniotomy in an attempt to save his life.
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“The WBC and its president, Mauricio Sulaiman, deeply mourn this irreparable loss and wish his family and friends strength during this difficult time,” the WBC said in a statement.
In response, the Japanese Boxing Commission has announced that all OPBF title bouts would now be reduced from 12 rounds to 10.
Earlier this year, 28-year-old Irish boxer John Cooney died a week after being taken into intensive care following his Celtic super-featherweight title defeat to Nathan Howells in Belfast.
AP/Reuters
AloJapan.com