Two Japanese boxers have died after suffering serious brain injuries in separate fights at the same boxing event in Tokyo.
Shigetoshi Kotari (super featherweight) and Hiromasa Urakawa (lightweight), both 28 years old, fought at Korakuen Hall on August 2. Both were immediately taken to the hospital and underwent brain surgery after the fight.
Kotari, who had a draw against Yamato Hata after 12 rounds, lost consciousness and passed away on August 8 at around 10:59 p.m. due to acute subdural hematoma. According to his gym, he did everything he could to survive after undergoing surgery and treatment.
Meanwhile, Urakawa lost in the eighth round to Yoji Saito and also died on the evening of August 9. The tragedy occurred just days after Kotari's passing.
According to the Japan Boxing Commission, this may be the first time in Japanese history that two boxers have undergone skull-opening surgery at the same time due to injuries from the same event.
