Two Japanese boxers die after suffering brain injuries in separate bouts on same card

Two Japanese boxers died over the weekend after suffering brain injuries during separate bouts on the same card in Tokyo on Aug. 2.

Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, both 28, both died of subdural hematomas, or bruises on the brain.

Boxing officials announced Kotari’s death on Friday. News of Urakawa’s succumbing to his injuries despite an earlier surgery followed Saturday.

“Rest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari,” the World Boxing Organization wrote on social media. “The boxing world mourns the tragic passing of Japanese fighter Shigetoshi Kotari, who succumbed to injuries sustained during his August 2nd title fight. A warrior in the ring. A fighter in spirit. Gone too soon.”

Kotari was hospitalized after fighting to a 12-round draw with Yamato Hata, the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation junior lightweight champion. Kotari fell unconscious shortly after the fight.

Urakawa suffered an 8th-round knockout loss to Yoji Saito on the same card.

“This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from injuries suffered in his fight on the same card,” the WBO wrote on social media. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time.”

While records from boxing’s early days are incomplete and can’t take into account long-term injuries, last week’s Tokyo event is the only definitely known case of two men dying on the same fight card.

A subdural hematoma is a bruise-like injury in which blood collects between the brain and skull. The pressure from the swelling, not a huge problem when an arm or a rib is what’s bruising, can destroy delicate brain tissue and/or force the brain itself to move. Either outcome can be fatal.

The Japanese Boxing Federation reacted by shortening all future title fights from 12 rounds to 10.

Earlier this year, Irish boxer John Cooney died a week after being taken into intensive care following his 9th-round TKO defeat to Nathan Howells in Belfast while defending his Celtic super-featherweight title.

— This article is based in part on wire service reports.