Boxing World in Mourning: Shigetoshi Kotari Dies at 28 After Title Fight Injury
- Jomanda Heng
- Aug 11
- 3 min read
The boxing community is reeling after the tragic death of Japanese fighter Shigetoshi Kotari, who passed away on August 8, 2025, just six days after sustaining a severe brain injury during a title fight at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.
The 28-year-old was competing against Yamato Hata for the OPBF super-featherweight title on August 2. The fight, which lasted all 12 scheduled rounds, ended in a split draw. However, moments after leaving the ring, Kotari collapsed in his corner. Medical staff rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma — a type of brain bleed — and underwent emergency surgery. Despite the efforts of doctors, Kotari never regained consciousness.
A Rising Star in Japanese Boxing
Born in Nagoya and fighting out of Kanagawa, Kotari had built a respectable professional record of 8 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws since his debut in 2019. Known for his sharp technique and fearless approach in the ring, Kotari was widely regarded as one of Japan’s promising boxing talents.
In a post made to Instagram before the fight, Kotari shared his determination and optimism: “Finally, the time has come… I will be a champion.” Those words have since taken on a heartbreaking poignancy.
A Double Tragedy
The bout that claimed Kotari’s life was not the only fatal incident that night. In a shocking turn of events, Hiromasa Urakawa, another Japanese boxer, also aged 28, died after suffering a similar brain injury on the same fight card. The unprecedented double tragedy has cast a dark shadow over the sport in Japan.
Reactions and Calls for Reform
The Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) has announced immediate safety reforms in response to the incidents, including reducing OPBF title fights from 12 to 10 rounds, reviewing weigh-in protocols, and re-evaluating hydration standards to reduce the risk of severe injuries.
International bodies have also paid tribute. The World Boxing Organization (WBO) described Kotari as “a warrior in the ring, a fighter in spirit. Gone too soon,” while World Boxing Council (WBC) President Mauricio Sulaiman urged for stricter safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Boxing’s Safety Debate Rekindled
Kotari’s death has reignited discussion on the inherent dangers of boxing. Medical experts warn that subdural hematomas can be deceptively silent, with symptoms only appearing once damage is severe. This has led to renewed calls for better ringside medical protocols, faster emergency response times, and potential changes to the sport’s rules to prioritise athlete safety.
Remembering Shigetoshi Kotari
Shigetoshi Kotari’s career, though cut short, was marked by dedication, passion, and an unyielding fighting spirit. His passing — alongside Urakawa’s — stands as a sobering reminder of boxing’s risks and the urgent need for change.
As fans and fellow fighters mourn, the hope is that their sacrifices will not be in vain, but instead pave the way for a safer future for athletes around the world.
References
People – “Boxing Star Shigetoshi Kotari Dies at 28 After Being Injured in Title Fight: 'Gone Too Soon'”https://people.com/boxing-star-shigetoshi-kotari-dies-injured-title-fight-11788006
Times of India – “Shigetoshi Kotari passes away at 28 after tragic brain injury following fight against Yamato Hata”https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/international-sports/shigetoshi-kotari-passes-away-at-28-after-tragic-brain-injury-following-fight-against-yamato-hata/articleshow/123197946.cms
Times of India – “Shigetoshi Kotari dies at 28 after brain injury: How head injuries can turn fatal”https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/shigetoshi-kotari-dies-at-28-after-brain-injury-how-head-injuries-can-turn-fatal/articleshow/123200789.cms
The Sun – “Boxing rocked by death of second fighter in one week after brain injury”https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/36223626/boxing-hiromasa-urakawa-dies-second-fighter-card/
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