In a devastating turn of events for the boxing community in Japan, Hiromasa Urakawa, aged 28, has passed away due to a brain injury sustained during a bout in Tokyo on August 2, 2025. This tragedy follows the untimely death of fellow boxer Shigetoshi Kotari, who succumbed to similar injuries just a day earlier. Urakawa was knocked out in the eighth round during his match with Yoji Saito and later underwent surgical treatment for subdural haematoma, a critical condition resulting from blood accumulation between the skull and brain.
The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) expressed its sorrow, stating, "We mourn the passing of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during his fight against Yoji Saito." The organization extended its condolences to the families and friends of both fighters, emphasizing the heartache felt across the Japanese boxing community during this sorrowful time.
In response to these tragedies, the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) has made the decision to shorten all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title fights from 12 rounds to 10. Furthermore, the JBC is currently conducting an investigation and has announced plans to convene in September to address these recent losses and evaluate the safety protocols in place for boxers.
These recent fatalities have placed a spotlight on the risks inherent in the sport, with Urakawa and Kotari being the latest casualties in a concerning pattern. Earlier in 2025, Irish boxer John Cooney also lost his life at the age of 28 after suffering an intracranial hemorrhage from a fight, underlining the urgent need for improved safety measures within boxing. The aftermath of these events poses critical questions regarding the sport's regulations and the ongoing conversation surrounding the health and safety of professional fighters.
