In a devastating turn of events for the boxing community, Hiromasa Urakawa, a 28-year-old Japanese boxer, has tragically passed away following a knockout he sustained during a bout on August 2. This incident occurred just days after the death of Shigetoshi Kotari, who also suffered injuries from the same fight card held at Tokyo's Korakuen Hall.
Tragic Events in Tokyo: Second Boxer Dies After Knockout
Tragic Events in Tokyo: Second Boxer Dies After Knockout
Two boxers lose their lives due to brain injuries stemming from a recent Tokyo event, raising safety concerns in the sport.
Both fighters underwent surgeries for subdural haematoma, a serious condition involving blood accumulation between the skull and brain. The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) expressed its sorrow over Urakawa's passing, sharing condolences with his family and the wider boxing community. Following these tragic incidents, the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) made the decision to reduce the maximum length of Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title fights from 12 to 10 rounds. The JBC has also initiated an investigation into both deaths and is set to convene next month to address safety measures. Urakawa's demise marks the third high-profile boxing fatality this year, after Irish boxer John Cooney's death in February due to an intracranial hemorrhage incurred during a match.
With ongoing concerns about fighter safety, many are looking for significant changes in regulations to better protect athletes in this high-risk sport.
With ongoing concerns about fighter safety, many are looking for significant changes in regulations to better protect athletes in this high-risk sport.
