A second Japanese boxer has passed away due to a brain injury sustained during an event in Tokyo.
Hiromasa Urakawa, 28, died on Saturday after being knocked out in the eighth round of his match against Yoji Saito on August 2.
This follows the death of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died on Friday from injuries incurred in a different bout on the same card at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall.
Both fighters underwent surgery for subdural hematoma, a condition characterized by blood accumulation between the skull and the brain.
The World Boxing Organization (WBO) expressed its sorrow, statin, “we mourn the loss of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to injuries from his fight against Yoji Saito.
“This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from injuries sustained in his fight on the same card.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time.”
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In response to the event, the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) announced that all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title fights will now be limited to 10 rounds instead of 12.
According to Japanese media reports, the JBC has initiated an investigation and plans to hold a meeting in September to discuss the fatalities.
Urakawa is the third prominent boxer to die in 2025, following the death of Irishman John Cooney in February after a fight in Belfast.
Cooney, aged 28, died from an intracranial hemorrhage resulting from his bout against Welshman Nathan Howells.
