2 Japanese boxers die from brain damage suffered in separate episodes during the same event in Tokyo

Two Japanese boxers died from the brain lesions suffered in separate fights on the same card at the Korakuen Hall of Tokyo.

Shigetoshi Kotari, 28, collapsed shortly after finishing a match at 12 laps against the junior champion of the Light Eastern Boxing Federation and the Pacific Yamato Hata on August 2.

He underwent emergency brain surgery for a subdural hematoma – a condition where blood accumulates between the brain and the skull – but died on Friday.

“Rest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari,” wrote the World Boxing Organization on social networks. “The world of boxing mourns the tragic passage of Japanese fighter Shigetoshi Kotari, who died of injuries suffered during his fight for August 2.

“A warrior in the ring. A fighter in mind. Party too early. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his team and the whole Japanese boxing community.”

Hiromasa Urakawa, 28, died after suffering the same injury in a defeat in Ko against Yoji Saito. He had undergone a craniotomy to try to save his life.

“This heartbreaking news comes only a few days after the death of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died of injuries suffered in his fight on the same card,” said WBO in another article on social networks on Saturday. “We express our deepest condolences to families, friends and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult period.”

In response, the Japan Boxing Commission has announced that all OPBF title fights will now be reduced by 12 laps to 10.

Earlier this year, the Irish boxer John Cooney died a week after being taken in intensive care after his defeat of the Celtic-point line title against Nathan Howells in Belfast.