Second boxer dies from same Tokyo event as both athletes suffered brain injuries

The horrific double tragedy lead the Japan Boxing Commission to change the number of rounds in title fights under the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF)

A second boxer has died from brain injuries suffered at the same event.

Hiromasa Urakawa, 28, tragically died on Saturday after losing in the eight round by knockout to Yoji Saito on August 2. On Friday, Shigetoshi Kotari, 28, died from the injuries sustained during a separate bout on the same card at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

Kotari drew his bout with Yamato Hata following 12 rounds of boxing. Both fighters underwent surgery for a condition where blood collects between the skull and the brain called subdural haematoma.

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”.

“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.”

The double tragedy comes as the Japan Boxing Commission announced all title bouts under the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) will now be 10 rounds instead of 12.

Earlier this year, super-featherweight boxer John Cooney died at 28 after suffering a brain injury during his defeat by Nathan Howells in Belfast in February.

Cooney, from Clarinbridge, lost his first professional fight after he suffered a devastating ninth-round stoppage while defending his Celtic super-featherweight title.

The 28-year-old boxer was assessed by the onsite medical team in the ring before being taken out on a stretcher and transferred to Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) in Belfast.

Cooney had suffered an intracranial haemorrhage and he underwent immediate surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain. He remained in a critical condition in the hospital’s intensive care unit before his death.

The Galway fighter’s death was announced by MHD Promotions on behalf of his family, a statement said: “It is with complete devastation that we have to announce that after a week of battling for his life John Cooney has sadly passed away.

“Mr and Mrs Cooney and his fiancée Emmaleen would like to thank the staff at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital who have worked tirelessly to save John’s life and for everyone who has sent messages of support and prayers.

“He was a much-loved son, brother and partner and it will take us all a lifetime to forget how special he was. RIP John ‘The Kid’ Cooney.”

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