
Audio By Carbonatix
A second Japanese boxer has died from a brain injury suffered at an event in Tokyo.
Hiromasa Urakawa, 28, died on Saturday after he was beaten via knockout in the eighth round of his fight with Yoji Saito on 2 August.
It follows the death of Shigetoshi Kotari on Friday from injuries sustained during a separate bout on the same card at Tokyo's Korakuen Hall.
Both boxers underwent surgery for subdural haematoma - a condition where blood collects between the skull and the brain.
The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) said, "It mourns the passing of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during his fight against Yoji Saito".
It added: "This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from injuries suffered in his fight on the same card.
"We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time."
Following the event, the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) announced all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title bouts will now be 10 rounds instead of 12.
Japanese media reports, the JBC has launched an investigation and is planning to hold a meeting in September to discuss the deaths.
Urakawa is the third high-profile boxer to die in 2025 after Irishman John Cooney passed away in February following a fight in Belfast.
Cooney died aged 28 after suffering an intracranial haemorrhage from his fight against Welshman Nathan Howells.
Latest Stories
-
After more than 14 years at Atletico Madrid, what next for Simeone?
2 hours -
Conquering the World – Building on the foundations laid by Otto Addo
2 hours -
[Watch Live] Kwaw Kese, Kwami Eugene, Tinny, Keche and others thrill fans at Gomoa Easter Carnival
2 hours -
Gomoa Easter Carnival: Experts charge indigenes to own festival to ensure sustainability
3 hours -
Gomoa Easter Carnival: Edem Agbana and Joy Prime fans shower festival with huge endorsements
5 hours -
Gov’t to overhaul free zones into manufacturing hubs for local production – Trade Minister
6 hours -
Ghana losing $2.5bn yearly from raw exports – Trade Minister reveals
6 hours -
Mahama unveils plans for Kwahu Airport, Convention Centre
6 hours -
World’s oldest leader, Paul Biya to get a deputy for first time in 43-year rule
6 hours -
Search for missing US airman continues as Trump threatens ‘hell’ if Iran does not reach deal
6 hours -
US says it has arrested relatives of late Iranian general Qasem Soleimani
6 hours -
La Liga: Real Madrid’s title hopes hang in the balance as Mallorca snatch stoppage-time winner
6 hours -
FA Cup: Haaland hat-trick powers Man City past Liverpool into semi-finals
6 hours -
FA Cup: Chelsea thrash Port Vale to reach Wembley semi-final
7 hours -
Gov’t to boost tourism in coastal communities through infrastructure, sanitation – Vice President
7 hours
