Japanese boxing authorities will convene an emergency meeting on Tuesday amid mounting scrutiny over the sport following the deaths of two fighters from injuries sustained at the same event. Super featherweight Shigetoshi Kotari and lightweight Hiromasa Urakawa, both aged 28, competed on August 2 at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall and died days later after undergoing brain surgery.
Japanese media reported that both boxers suffered subdural haematomas — bleeding inside the skull — and required emergency operations. Kotari, who fought Yamato Hata to a 12-round draw, died on Friday, according to the World Boxing Council. Urakawa, who lost to Yoji Saito by knockout, passed away the following day, the World Boxing Organization confirmed, extending “deepest condolences” to their families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community.
“The WBC and its President, Mauricio Sulaiman, deeply mourn this irreparable loss and wish his family and friends strength during this difficult time,” the World Boxing Council said in a statement.
Facing mounting pressure, the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC), along with gym owners and other officials, will hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday, with further discussions on safety measures expected next month, local media reported.
“We are acutely aware of our responsibility as the governing body of the sport,” JBC secretary-general Tsuyoshi Yasukochi told reporters on Sunday. “We will take whatever measures we can.”
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