Two Japanese boxers died after suffering brain injuries in separate matches last month. The Japan Boxing Commission held a press conference to address these tragic events and discuss potential changes to protect fighters.
Shigetoshi Kotari, 28, collapsed after a 12-round draw against Yamato Hata. He underwent emergency surgery for a subdural hematoma but didn't survive. In another match, Hiromasa Urakawa, also 28, lost by knockout in the 8th round to Yoji Saito. Urakawa had a craniotomy but also passed away from a subdural hematoma.
Japan Boxing Commission president Hagiwara Minoru spoke about their plans:
"We will begin working immediately on everything we can, including investigating and clarifying the cause and taking steps for the future. We want to move as quickly as possible."
Secretary general Tsuyoshi Yasukochi added:
"What happened in the past few days is a very serious matter. How can we eliminate the risks inherent in the sport? We have received requests not only from our colleagues, but also from both inside and outside the country, saying that if there is anything we can do, we will do it. We want to work together with everyone to prevent a recurrence."
The commission has already taken some steps. They've reduced OPBF and WBO Asia Pacific title fights in Japan from 12 to 10 rounds. They've also scheduled a meeting with the Japan Professional Boxing Association to consider more ways to protect boxers.
Officials will look closely at how weight loss impacts fighters and other factors that might contribute to injuries. They plan to make weight management rules stricter and increase penalties for boxers who gain too much weight after weigh-ins.
These recent deaths follow other serious incidents in Japanese boxing. Last December, 23-year-old Kazuki Anaguchi died about a month after losing a 10-round decision in Tokyo. In May, Ginjiro Shigeoka fell into a coma after a 12-round IBF title fight loss in Osaka.
The Japan Boxing Commission will hold a medical seminar early next month as part of their efforts to improve safety in the sport.
