Japan Boxing to Hold Emergency Meeting After Deaths of Two Fighters

Japanese boxing officials will convene an emergency meeting on Tuesday following the deaths of Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, both 28, who sustained fatal brain injuries in separate bouts on the same fight card at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall on August 2.

The Japan Boxing Commission (JBC), along with gym owners and other officials, is under pressure to improve safety protocols. Talks on fighter safety are also planned for next month.

JBC secretary-general Tsuyoshi Yasukochi said: “We are acutely aware of our responsibility as the manager of the sport. We will take whatever measures we can.”

Media reports have pointed to rapid weight loss through dehydration before weigh-ins as a possible risk factor, noting that dehydration can make the brain more vulnerable to bleeding. The JBC plans to consult trainers about weight-cutting practices and pre-bout conditioning.

As an immediate step, the JBC has reduced Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation title bouts from 12 rounds to 10.
Yasukochi noted the increasing offensive power of Japanese boxers, warning that 12-round fights may pose greater danger given today’s faster, more aggressive style.

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