A Tragic Night at Korakuen Hall

The boxing world was left in shock after the events at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo. On August 2, during a night that promised excitement, tragedy struck: Japanese fighter Shigetoshi Kotari died six days later from a brain injury suffered in his bout against Yamato Hata for the super featherweight title of the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF).

The fight, scheduled for 12 rounds, ended in a draw, but the aftermath was devastating. Immediately after leaving the ring, Kotari, 28 years old with a professional record of 8-2-2, collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. There, doctors diagnosed a subdural hematoma, requiring emergency brain surgery.

On the same night, Hiromasa Urakawa also sustained a severe brain injury during his bout with Yoji Saito. Like Kotari, he underwent emergency surgery after doctors detected a hematoma.

Farewell to a Warrior

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) confirmed Kotari’s death, deeply mourning the loss of a fighter who had been a professional for only six years, debuting in 2019 against Lasben Sinaba. His last win came in May 2025 against Jonniel Laurente, earned via unanimous decision.

“The boxing world mourns the tragic death of Japanese boxer Shigetoshi Kotari, who succumbed to the injuries sustained during his title fight on August 2. A warrior in the ring, a fighter in spirit, gone too soon,” the WBO stated in an official release.

Immediate Measures to Prevent Tragedies

Following the events, the Japan Boxing Commission announced an immediate change: all OPBF bouts will now be contested over 10 rounds instead of 12, aiming to reduce the risk of severe injuries.

While the decision seeks to protect fighters’ safety, the night of August 2 will remain one of the darkest in modern boxing history, a stark reminder that behind every bout, lives are on the line.