Japan boxing adopts stricter ruling following boxer deaths in Tokyo

Japanese boxing officials to implement stricter rules on weight loss and urine tests following the deaths of two boxers

On August 2nd, a tragedy hit the boxing world after two boxers died at the same event in different fights.

Shigetoshi Kotari, a featherweight boxer fought to a 12-round draw against Oriental and Pacific junior lightweight champion Yamato Hata.

Not long after, the 28-year-old lost consciousness and was rushed to hospital where a brain surgery was performed to treat a subdural hematoma, which unfortunately was unsuccessful.

A farewell has been given by the World Boxing Organisation who wrote on X: “A warrior in the ring. A fighter in spirit. Gone too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, team and the entire boxing community.”

Featherweight boxer, Hiromosa Urakawa also suffered a similar fate, succumbing to brain injuries following his knockout defeat against Yoji Saito at the same event at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.

The 28-year old from Tokyo was taken to hospital after his bout, undergoing craniotomy to also treat a subdural hematoma.

Following the tragedy, the Japan Boxing Commission announced that all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation bouts will be cut down from 12 to 10 rounds.

The Japanese Boxing Association, the JBC and Japanese gym owners held an emergency meeting on Tuesday and said they will introduce urine tests, stricter rules on weight loss to prevent dehydration and improve medical cover at bouts following the death of the two boxers.

A new ruling on how long a fighter must stop sparring in camp before a bout will also be implemented.

President of the Japanese Boxing Commision, Tsuyoshi Yasukochi said the cause of death for both boxers will be investigated by an accident investigation committee later in August before updating their guidance on prevention measures.