In a heartbreaking turn of events, 28-year-old Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa has died from a brain injury sustained during a match on August 2 in Tokyo. Urakawa was knocked out in the eighth round of his fight against Yoji Saito, and he passed away on Saturday after undergoing surgery for subdural haematoma, a severe condition caused by bleeding between the skull and brain.
This tragic news follows closely after the death of fellow boxer Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from injuries incurred during a separate bout on the same event card. The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) expressed sorrow over Urakawa's death, stating, "This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari," and extended condolences to the victims' families and the Japanese boxing community.
In response to these events, the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) has announced that title fights under the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) will now be limited to 10 rounds, a departure from the traditional 12 rounds, in an attempt to enhance fighter safety. Additionally, JBC is conducting an investigation and plans to hold a meeting in September to address these alarming incidents in the sport.
Urakawa’s death marks the third such high-profile loss in 2025, following the passing of Irish boxer John Cooney, who died in February after a fight in Belfast. Cooney also suffered from severe brain injuries, underscoring the urgent need for heightened safety measures in boxing.
