Second boxer dies after competing on same card as fellow fighter who lost his life

Two fighters on the same card have now died in Japan after it was confirmed that boxer Hiromasa Urakawa has succumbed to his injuries – soon after Yoji Saito also passed away

The boxing world has been left stunned after it was confirmed that a second fighter died on the same card in Tokyo.

On Saturday news broke that Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa has succumbed to his injuries after being hospitalised with a brain injury after an eighth-round knockout defeat to Yoji Saito on August 2. On Friday it was confirmed that Shigetoshi Kotari also died of the injuries he sustained on the same night.

Both men were 28 years old. Urakawa’s career featured 10 wins with seven KOs and four defeats. Urakawa underwent surgery in an effort to save him but Ring Magazine have now reported that he has tragically passed away.

He is the third boxer to die of injuries sustained in the ring this year, following Kotari and Irishman John Cooney, who died back in February. Cooney suffered an intracranial haemorrhage in his fight against Nathan Howells.

The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) said in a statement on social media: “The WBO mourns the passing of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during his fight against Yoji Saito on August 2 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.

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“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 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.

Ring Magazine said: “The Ring is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Hiromasa Urakawa. Urakawa, 28, died Saturday from a brain injury he suffered during a stoppage loss on Aug 2nd in Tokyo. Our sympathies are with the Urakawa family at this time.”

Earlier this year Mark Dunlop, the manager of Irish fighter Cooney, said he “can’t blame anybody” following his tragic death and added” “John knew the dangers, the family know the dangers… everyone involved in boxing know that it carries a risk.”