Two boxers - Shigetoshi Kotari & Hiromasa Urakawa - die from injuries after Aug. 2 boxing event in Japan

[Perkin Warbeck]

https://ringmagazine.com/en/news/shiget ... t-in-japan

Shigetoshi Kotari died today from a brain injury he suffered during his draw with Yamato Hata last Saturday in Tokyo, according to multiple reports.

Rest in peace, brave ring warrior.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Hiromasa Urakawa has now also passed.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Cent0089]

Oh man this is so fu"kin sad ...Two dead in one event, this will probably have serious consequences for boxing in Japan

[Ruthless-RKO]

Oh man this is so fu"kin sad ...Two dead in one event, this will probably have serious consequences for boxing in Japan

I think 3-4 boxers in total were injured.

Two had Hematoma’s

[margaret thatcher]

wow, ive never seen 2 die from same event, that is crazy in the worst way

i guess ring deaths in japan make sense

lighterweights who drain weight + more punches landed over more rounds + warrior spirit can be a deadly mix

[amwsnw]

Absolutely tragic. Terribly sad.

[chucktaylor]

This is awful. A dark cloud is cast over Korakuen Hall, the World's most active boxing venue. The JBC needs to investigate potential officiating deficiencies as 2 deaths from one event is totally outrageous. With other recent deaths and serious injuries in Japanese boxing, the stakes are high.
On the other hand, the sport seems to be at a high point in Japan in some ways.

[gilgamesh]

wow, ive never seen 2 die from same event, that is crazy in the worst way

i guess ring deaths in japan make sense

lighterweights who drain weight + more punches landed over more rounds + warrior spirit can be a deadly mix

Also very lenient referees who let these guys take A LOT of hits before calling a halt to a fight.

That one you posted in the British and Irish section is a good example of that. The referees definitely let MANY opportunities where you could've reasonably stopped a fight pass them by.

Stunning, and very sad that 2 fighters died from the same event.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Authorities in Japan move to act after double tragedy following August 2 event

The Japan Boxing Commission has moved to allay safety fears about boxing in their country.

It has acted after two fighters died from injuries sustained on the same tragic August 2 event in Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.

On Friday, August 8, Shigetoshi Kotari died. On Saturday, August 9, Hiromasa Urakawa passed away.

Urakawa had had a craniotomy for an acute subdural hematoma having lost via eighth-round stoppage against Yoji Saito.

Kotari boxed to a draw for the Oriental Pacific junior lightweight title and he too had undergone an emergency craniotomy following a bout with Yamato Hata.

Already, there are reports about the fateful August 2 event being boxing’s “darkest day.”

Hagiwara Minoru, chairman of the Japan Boxing Commission, and general secretary Yasukawa Tsuyoshi hosted a press conference in Tokyo earlier today.

“We will begin work on anything we can immediately, including investigating and clarifying the cause and taking measures going forward,” said Hagiwara Minoru. “We would like to move forward as quickly as possible."

Yasukawa spoke about how grave the issue was, and added: “We are once again reminded of the grief of the families and those involved, and the seriousness of this matter. How can we eliminate the risks inherent in sport? What happened this time is serious. We have received requests not only from our colleagues, but from both inside and outside the country, saying that if there is anything we can do, we will do it. We would like to work together with everyone to prevent a recurrence.”

It had already been determined that OPBF title fights would be altered from 12 to 10 rounds after Kotari’s death, and that is also the same, now, for championship matches in Japan held for the WBO Asia Pacific titles.

But that will not fix everything, of course. Urakawa’s fight was scheduled for eight rounds.

“There are now many fighters with the skills to engage in heated exchanges from the first round,” Yasukawa explained. “We see a lot of matches where attacks are made at a fast tempo. In Kotari’s case, he fought well until the 12th round, but I think that 12 rounds is an extremely dangerous time.”

As much success as there has been with boxing in Japan in recent years, with Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani leading the way as two of the sport’s leading stars, there have been some dark times, and this week has been among its most bleak.

On an Inoue bill, on December 2023, Kazuki Anaguchi had to undergo surgery after losing consciousness following his fight with Seiya Tsutsumi and passed away 38 days later, aged just 23. That fight was over 10 rounds.

Ginjiro Shigeoka also remains in a coma following his tragic fight on May 24, when he boxed to a 12-round draw with Pedro Taduran with the IBF minimumweight title on the line in Osaka.

The Japan Boxing Commission and the Japan Professional Boxing Association will have an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss possible changes and improvements. The JBC is also setting up a committee to investigate August 2, and a medical seminar is scheduled for September.

Yasukochi also spoke about weight loss and weight control at today’s press conference and believes they need to look into new methods of controlling how fighters can make weight safely and enforcing new rules to make a safer environment for fighters.

“Weight loss, which was likely a major factor, and pre-match conditioning are only being looked at from an administrative perspective,” he said. “I would like to hear the opinions of those involved in the association who have been working closely with the athletes for a long time.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Ginjiro Shigeoka still in a coma

[Ruthless-RKO]

Japan adopts stricter safety rules after deaths

Japanese boxing officials have voted to implement stricter rules on weight loss and to also introduce urine tests following the deaths of two fighters in Tokyo.

Super-featherweight Shigetoshi Kotari, 28, and featherweight Hiromasa Urakawa, also 28, died after sustaining injuries in separate bouts on the same card on 2 August.

Both boxers underwent surgery for subdural haematoma - a condition where blood collects between the skull and the brain.

Following the event, the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) announced all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title bouts will now be 10 rounds instead of 12.

The Japanese Professional Boxing Association (JPBA), the JBC and gym owners met to discuss the emergency measures on Tuesday.

They voted to include urine tests to measure dehydration and agreed that ambulances will be required on site, even for non-world title bouts.

Hospitals will partner with the governing bodies to ensure they are equipped to perform emergency surgery for head and other injuries.

Fighters will also have to adhere to new rules on how long they must stop sparring during training before a fight.

"Officials have decided to take all possible measures to ensure that the deaths of these two boxers are not in vain," Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, secretary general of the JBC, said.

Yasukochi said an accident investigation committee will work to find out the cause of the boxers' deaths later in August before updating their guidance on prevention measures.

The JBC and JPBA are also scheduled to meet with the organisations' doctors and the amateur boxing federation.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Yudai Shigeoka announces retirement, provides update on Ginjiro’s health

Yudai Shigeoka, the older brother of Ginjiro Shigeoka, has given a somewhat positive update on his brother’s health.

Ginjiro suffered a bleed on the brain in his defeat to Pedro Taduran for the IBF minimumweight title back in May and underwent brain surgery, leaving him in a coma. Many feared the worst after his brother Yudai revealed days later that his brother was “trying desperately to live” in a hospital in Osaka, Japan.

There was a slightly positive update in June, with Yudai revealing that his brother was now breathing without a respirator and mumbling when spoken to.

Since then, there has been little news on the condition of Ginjiro. After the deaths of Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa from injuries suffered in separate fights on the tragic event in Korakuen Hall in Tokyo on August 2, Ginjiro’s injuries were again brought back into the spotlight.

Yudai has taken to social media to provide an update on his younger brother. The former WBC junior flyweight champion made the tough decision to retire from boxing, seemingly to help care for his brother.

“The other day my brother Ginjiro [Shigeoka] was transferred to a hospital in Kumamoto, [Japan],” Yudai posted on Instagram. “And today, I, Yudai, have decided to retire from boxing. “Thanks to the doctors and nurses at the National Hospital Osaka Medical Center, Ginjiro is still alive. We are truly grateful. They saved his life. When Gin gets better, we will definitely go and say goodbye.

“He is currently undergoing three types of rehabilitation at a hospital in Kumamoto, three hours a day. I encourage him every day, telling him not to give up and to keep trying, so that flame in his heart does not go out.”

Both of the Shigeoka brothers won major titles on the same October 2023 show, six months after they claimed interim versions of those belts on the same April 2023 event.

Yudai claimed the WBC 105lbs title in a twelve-round, unanimous decision over Thailand’s Panya Pradabsri. The win came in just his eighth pro fight. That same show saw Ginjiro – in his 11th pro contest - dethrone IBF 105lbs titlist Daniel Valladares via fifth-round knockout.

It was a long-realized dream that exceeded their expectations when they first took up combat sports as youths in Japan.

“We started martial arts together at the age of six, and together we have overcome countless obstacles,” noted Yudai, who turned pro in October 2019. “I have been able to get this far because of Gin. Gin has big dreams, and he is still only halfway there, but I believe it is my role as my brother to help color his life from now on.”

Yudai’s title reign ended without a successful defense. He lost his belt to the Philippines’ Melvin Jerusalem via split decision last March 31 in Nagoya. The same show saw Ginjiro retain his IBF belt with a second-round knockout of Jake Amparo.

It turned out to be the final win of Ginjiro’s career.

Yudai rebounded with a ten-round, unanimous decision over Samuel Salva last August 24, but fell short once again to Jerusalem in a more lopsided defeat this past March 30 in Tokoname, Japan.

Ginjiro lost his belt to Taduran in a ninth-round stoppage last July 28 in Otsu. Their rematch was more competitive, though came at a heavy cost. Fortunately, he has since taken a turn for the better three months after that scary moment in Osaka.

“I don’t want Gin to regret having decided to take up boxing,” noted Yudai. “The people he met and the experiences he had there are all treasures. I still receive messages every day from people who are worried about Gin. From now on, I will create a place where people can say, ‘If you go here, you can meet Ginjiro!’ That is my new dream. Plans are progressing steadily. That is why I have decided to retire. I have no regrets. The real challenge begins here.

“With what he learned from karate and boxing – steady effort every day, daily hard work, and persistence is power – in mind, we will blossom with Gin on a new path. Although we are retiring, we hope you will continue to follow the Shigeoka brothers’ way of life. Thank you so much for all your support up until now. Everyone, let’s definitely meet again.”

[Sendo Takeshi]

Crazy how fast things can change.
I had high hopes for both of them. Now, both have retired with fewer than 15 fights each. Both suffered two losses, and one barely escaped death.

Life.

And now two more deaths on the same card. Those japanese are too tough for their own good.

[damage]

This most be unnerving for Chris Eubank with his son trying to make himself into a skeleton before the Benn fights

[Thomastearns]

Crazy how fast things can change.
I had high hopes for both of them. Now, both have retired with fewer than 15 fights each. Both suffered two losses, and one barely escaped death.

Life.

And now two more deaths on the same card. Those japanese are too tough for their own good.

That's why refereeing standards need to be reviewed asap in Japan.

Others can say they are prepared to actually die in the ring, but with Japanese boxers there is no reason to doubt them.

Such honourable brave warriors deserve the best possible protection you can have in combat sports.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Teiken Boxing Gym, where Urakawa trained, wrote on X that Urakawa’s funeral was a successful ceremony.

“On the occasion of the funeral of the late Taiyo Urakawa, we sincerely thank you for the heartfelt kindness and consideration you have shown us. Thanks to your generosity, approximately 400 people attended, allowing us to complete the funeral without any issues, and we express our deepest gratitude from the bottom of our hearts. We sincerely thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to attend,” the gym wrote.

“The late Taiyo Urakawa, with a robust physique and spirit forged through baseball from a young age, trained tirelessly at the gym until late every day from the moment he joined. He worked diligently alongside athletes with extensive amateur experience, and his earnest dedication to boxing is undoubtedly etched in the hearts of us, the athletes and staff. We cannot help but feel profound sorrow at the loss of an irreplaceable comrade, and we are overwhelmed with deep regret. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

update

Ginjiro Shigeoka paralyzed on one side after brain injury but responding to hand signals

[Ruthless-RKO]

“Ginjiro is conscious. The online news report that he “remains unconscious” made my grandmother very sad,” read the post, translated from Japanese.

“However, since the media members have not seen Ginjiro directly at the hospital, it is only natural that they don’t know. That is why I’m giving you the right information.”

He would signal several hand signs to his brother, ‘Thumbs up,’ ‘Peace,’ Fist,’ and Ginjiro would copy him.

“Although it is only the hand, this alone shows that Ginjiro is conscious and can communicate. The scars on his face are so painful that he cannot see people,” Yudai’s post continued.

“Although he still has paralysis on the left side of his body, he was able to move his left hand, which he couldn’t move when in hospital in Osaka. Today he even showed us a fighter pose (I thought he was shit lol).

“When I told him at our meeting yesterday, ‘Everyone thinks you’re unconscious,’ he couldn't speak, but he looked very displeased. I told him, ‘Let’s make a video to show Ginjiro is alive!’ and I think he posed with all his might.

“He is losing weight because he is receiving nutrition through a tube from his nose to his stomach, but he will soon be able to eat and drink by mouth as part of his rehabilitation. Once that happens he should have more energy.

“Also, I’ve been reading all the messages I received from so many people yesterday. I feel so much better and more motivated. Everyone is so kind, it’s a blessing.

“Let me report back to you. Osu.”

[londonwar]

Terrible times for japanese boxing regardless of the successes. A complete overhaul is needed.

This is why I don't watch lower weights at all.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Deaths could spell end for Japanese boxing, says commission chief

Japanese boxing is at "a crucial moment" and could cease to exist if it does not radically improve safety, the head of the country's boxing commission said following the deaths of two fighters.
Super featherweight Shigetoshi Kotari and lightweight Hiromasa Urakawa, both 28, fought on the same card at Tokyo's Korakuen Hall on Aug. 2 and died days later following brain surgery.

The deaths have shaken the Japanese boxing world to the core, with authorities investigating the causes and debating measures to prevent further tragedies.

Japan Boxing Commission Secretary-General Tsuyoshi Yasukochi said that the organizing body cannot afford to botch its response and that the future of the sport is at stake.

"If we don't improve things, this sport won't be able to continue. If the people involved in the sport can't improve things, we will have to quit," he said.

"I understand that we are at a crucial moment where a sport that has been around for 100 years could potentially disappear.

"I think everyone is working every day with that mindset," he added.

Japanese boxing authorities are considering a raft of new measures to make the sport safer.

They include urine tests to measure dehydration and stricter rules on boxers' rapid weight loss.

Dehydration caused by cutting weight rapidly is regarded as a factor in making the brain more susceptible to bleeding, according to the World Boxing Association.

Yasukochi said authorities hope to announce concrete plans in September and pledged that "everyone feels a strong sense of urgency."

"When a person dies it's something that has a big impact," he said.

"If you don't feel that, then you're not qualified to be involved in boxing."

Kotari and Urakawa's deaths came less than two years after another Japanese boxer, Kazuki Anaguchi, died following a December 2023 bout in Tokyo.

In May this year, Ginjiro Shigeoka collapsed after a fight in Osaka and underwent brain surgery.

The 25-year-old remains in a coma but is no longer in a life-threatening condition, the JBC says.

Last week, authorities said that an amateur boxer in Japan had not regained consciousness two weeks after undergoing emergency brain surgery following a sparring session.

Yasukochi said Japanese boxing was "at a crossroads."

"Some people might say that this is a sport where such accidents can happen, but we can't afford to think that way," he said.

"These things keep happening and we can't brush them off as coincidences. We need to investigate the causes and manage the aftermath."

[dookus]

Besides dehydration, are they doing too much hard sparring? Sumo is notoriously bad at managing the health of the wrestlers and I wonder if Japanese boxing culture could have similar issues