Boxers Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa Die From the Same Card
- The boxing world is mourning the shocking deaths of two respected boxers who passed away following the same event
- Top world boxing bodies and fans of the sport have flooded social media with eomotional messages
- A third boxer, involved in the fatal card, is reportedly in coma after suffering a serious injury as fans pray for his life
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The boxing community is reeling in grief following the tragic deaths of Japanese fighters Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, both of whom sustained fatal brain injuries while competing on the same event card.
Hiromasa Urakawa has died on August 9, 2025 from the brain trauma he suffered during his August 2 bout with Yoji Saito, which ended in an eighth-round knockout. The 28-year-old was rushed to hospital after the fight but could not recover from his injuries.
Source: Twitter
According to Mail Sport, the tragedy came just a day after fellow Japanese boxer Shigetoshi Kotari—who also competed on the same fight card—passed away from a brain bleed. According to the Japanese Boxing Commission, both athletes underwent emergency brain surgery following their respective bouts.
In a further blow to the boxing community, Yamato Hata, the opponent who faced Kotari, has also been hospitalised. Per Wales Online, Hata may be in a coma, deepening the sense of shock surrounding the event held at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall.
The deaths of the two Asian fighters add to boxing’s tragic toll in 2025, which also includes Nigerian boxer Gabriel Olanrewaju and English fighter Georgia O'Connor.
Urakawa and Kotari's death
Urakawa, a Tokyo native competing in the lightweight division (10 wins, 4 losses, 7 knockouts), had been ahead on the scorecards before Saito stopped him. The defeat marked his second in a row and his third in his last four outings.
Kotari’s fatal injury occurred during a 12-round draw with Hata for the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation junior lightweight title. The 28-year-old collapsed after the final bell and never regained consciousness.
The World Boxing Organisation paid tribute on social media, expressing condolences to Kotari’s family, team, and the wider Japanese boxing community, calling him “a warrior in the ring” and “gone too soon.”
Boxing world reacts
Following the devastating news, lots of boxing fans have taken to social media to share their messages of sympathy. Below are some of the most touching comments.
''I can’t believe we’ve lost them both on the same night. Kotari’s courage and Urakawa’s spirit lit up the ring like nothing else. Two warriors, now sparring among the stars. Rest easy, champions." – @RingsideHiro
"Every punch you threw was a lesson in heart, every step in the ring a story we’ll never forget. Kotari, Urakawa — thank you for the nights we cheered until we were hoarse. You’ll live forever in our chants." – @BoxingSoul89
Source: Twitter
"The sport feels smaller without you. Kotari’s precision, Urakawa’s fire , both gone too soon. Tonight, I lit two candles, one for each of you, and let them burn until dawn." – @GlovesAndGlory
"I saw you fight before the news. You were warriors to the very end. May your gloves hang in the Hall of Heroes, and may the bell ring once more when we meet again." – @FightFanMina
"Two fighters. Two hearts. One terrible night. Kotari and Urakawa, your battles were more than sport. they were poetry written in sweat and courage. My deepest condolences to your families." – @TheSweetScience
Shigetoshi Kotari passes away
YEN.com.gh earlier provided a comprehensive report on the heartbreaking passing of Japanese pugilist Shigetoshi Kotari.
In his professional career, Kotari competed in 12 bouts, earning eight victories, two draws, and suffering two defeats.
Source: YEN.com.gh
