TOKYO – Two Japanese professional boxers, Shigetoshi Kotari and hiromasa Urakawa, have died within days of each other after suffering subdural hematomas sustained during recent fights, raising concerns about boxing safety and prompting a rule change by the Japanese Boxing Commission.
Hiromasa Urakawa, 28, passed away on saturday, August 5, 2023, following his fight against Yoji Saito on August 2nd at the korakuen Hall in Tokyo. He underwent emergency surgery for a subdural hematoma, a bleed on the brain, but succumbed to his injuries. The World Boxing institution (WBO) issued a statement expressing condolences to Urakawa’s family, friends, and the japanese boxing community.
Shigetoshi Kotari, also 28, died on Friday, August 4, 2023, as a result of injuries sustained in his 12-round draw against Yamato Hata on August 2nd. Kotari also suffered a subdural hematoma and underwent surgery, but his condition deteriorated. The World Boxing Council (WBC) released a statement mourning the loss and offering support to Kotari’s loved ones.
Both boxers’ deaths have prompted immediate action from the Japanese boxing Commission, which announced it will reduce the length of all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title bouts from 12 rounds to 10, effective promptly. This change aims to mitigate the risk of cumulative brain trauma in professional boxing.
Subdural hematomas occur when blood pools between the brain and the skull, often caused by traumatic brain injury. Symptoms can range from headaches and confusion to loss of consciousness and, in severe cases, death. The condition is a known risk in contact sports like boxing.
These tragedies highlight the inherent dangers of professional boxing, a sport where repeated blows to the head are commonplace. While safety regulations have evolved over time – including mandatory medical examinations, shorter rounds in amateur boxing, and improved glove technology – the risk of serious brain injury remains significant.
The deaths of Kotari and Urakawa echo similar tragedies in the boxing world. Earlier in 2023, Irish boxer John Cooney, 28, died a week after his Celtic super-featherweight title defeat to Nathan Howells in Belfast, Northern Ireland, after being admitted to intensive care. This incident,along with others,continues to fuel debate about the long-term health consequences for boxers and the need for further safety measures.
AP/Reuters