Boxer, 28, tragically dies of brain injuries less than a week after title fight

Japanese boxer Shigetoshi Kotari has died at the age of 28 after succumbing to injuries he picked up in a title fight less than a week ago with the Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation change their rules as a result

Japanese boxer Shigetoshi Kotari has died at the age of 28 after succumbing to injuries he picked up in a title fight less than a week ago. He had to be rushed to hospital following the contest to undergo an emergency brain surgery on a subdural hematoma.

Kotari required a craniotomy and two days after undergoing the procedure, the Japan Boxing Commission confirmed he remained under observation.

By virtue of undergoing the operation it meant he had to retire as per laws laid out by the country’s boxing governing body. Nearly a week on from the title fight against Tamato Hata, the commission has now confirmed that Kotari has died as a result of his injuries.

A statement on social media read: “Rest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari. The boxing world mourns the tragic passing of Japanese fighter Shigetoshi Kotari, who succumbed to injuries sustained during his August 2nd title fight. A warrior in the ring. A fighter in spirit. Gone too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, team, and the entire Japanese boxing community.”

His OPBF Super Featherweight Title bout with Hata, which lasted the full 12 rounds, ended as a majority draw. The super featherweight fighter was part of 12 fights during his professional career – winning eight, drawing two and losing two.

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The Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation has now bought about rules changes following Kotari’s injuries and tragic death. From now on OPBF title fights will be 10 rounds, rather than the 12 that are normally common practice in title fights around the globe.

The WBC also released a statement in the wake of Kotari’s death and said: “The courageous Japanese boxer Shigetoshi Kotari has died from a brain injury sustained during his draw fight with Yamato Hata on August 2nd in Tokyo.

“Kotari, 28, lost consciousness after the 12-round bout for Yamato Hata’s OPBF super featherweight title. He was rushed to a hospital for emergency brain surgery, suffering a subdural hematoma, which is another term for a brain hemorrhage.

“Kotari, from Nagoya, had won two consecutive eight-round fights by unanimous decision to earn this title shot. The WBC and its President, Mauricio Sulaimán, deeply mourn this irreparable loss and wish his family and friends strength during this difficult time. Rest in Peace…”