(AUG 12) On August 2, 2025, the Korakuen Hall
in Tokyo, Japan, became the site of an unimaginable tragedy as two male boxers, Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa
Urakawa, succumbed to fatal injuries following their respective bouts.
The event, promoted by Akihiko Honda’s Teiken Promotions, showcased several
matches; however, it was the outcomes of Kotari’s and Urakawa's fights that
were brought on by sheer tragedy in the ring.
Shigetoshi Kotari fought in a grueling 12-round bout against Yamato Hata,
with the bout ending in a split draw. Shortly thereafter, Kotari collapsed shortly after the fight
with what ended up being a subdural hematoma (brain surgery). Kotari
never regained consciousness passed away. (This was announced one day later
after the announcement of Urakawa’s death).
Hiromasa Urakawa (right/black Trunks)
On the same boxing card, Hiromasa Urakawa suffered a different yet equally
devastating outcome. Competing in an eight-round bout against Yoji Saito,
Urakawa was stopped in the eighth round after being plummeted again and again
near the corner of the ring. (see video). He collapsed, prompting immediate medical attention that revealed he
had also endured an acute subdural hematoma. Following a craniotomy, Urakawa,
too, succumbed to his injuries.
Hiromasa Urakawa (right/black Trunks)
It is a grim irony that both fighters had previously crossed paths in the ring
earlier in 2024 when they faced each other, with Urakawa stopping Kotari in the
sixth round of that contest. Their intertwined fates evoke a somber reflection
on the inherent risks athletes face within the sport.
In response to these tragic events, the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) has
announced plans for an emergency meeting to evaluate and potentially reform
safety measures in the sport. Of what WBAN has learned, is that the JBC and the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF)
declared that all title bouts will now be limited to ten rounds instead of
twelve.
As the boxing community mourns the loss of Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa
Urakawa, reflections on their careers bring a mixture of admiration and sorrow.
Kotari, at just 28 years old, had made a notable jump into the demanding world
of twelve-round fights, while Urakawa, with a record of 10-4-0 and seven
knockouts, was a promising contender whose journey was cut tragically short.
Both athletes were not merely competitors; they were dreamers who dedicated
their lives to the sport, inspiring countless fans along the way.
Tale of the tape of Shigetoshi Kotari: 28 years old, Kotari fought once in 2025,
when he won an eight-round unanimous decision over Jonniel Laurente, 11-2-1
going into the bout. This was a huge jump from fighting six and eight rounds.
This bout was the first 12 round fight he had every fought as a professional.
Tale of the tape of Hiromasa Urakawa, 10-4-0 (7KO),
had not fought since 2024 when he lost his last fight on October 5, 2024, to
Yudai Murakami in a eight-round split decision.
In response to these tragic events, the Japan Boxing
Commission (JBC) has announced plans for an emergency meeting to evaluate and
potentially reform safety measures in the sport. Just days following this event
the JBC and the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) declared that all
title bouts will now be limited to 10 rounds instead of 12 rounds.
The oddity of these two dying of a coma, on the same card,
is that the fought EACH OTHER on April 30, 2024! In that fight Kotari was
stopped by Urakawa in the sixth round by TKO in an eight round bout!
WBAN would like to give our
sincere condolences to the family and friends of both of these
male boxers who tragically lost their lives in the ring.
WBAN / IWBHF
WBAN Instagram
WBAN Facebook
WBAN / IWBHF
WEBSITES
www.womensboxing.org
www.wbanmember.com
www.floridaboxing.com
www.iwbhf.com
WBAN's
Group Facebook
