‘irreparable Loss’: Two Japanese Boxers On Same Card Die From Brain Injuries

Two Japanese boxers person died days aft suffering encephalon injuries successful abstracted fights connected nan aforesaid card, boxing associations and media reports said.

Shigetoshi Kotari died connected Friday and Hiromasa Urakawa connected Saturday aft being injured successful their fights astatine Korakuen Hall successful Tokyo connected 2 August, Japanese media said.

Both 28-year-old boxers underwent operations for subdural haematoma, aliases bleeding wrong nan skull, nan reports said.

“We widen our deepest condolences to nan families, friends, and nan Japanese boxing organization during this incredibly difficult time,” nan World Boxing Organisation said successful a connection connected Saturday astir Urakawa, who had mislaid to Yoji Saito successful a knockout.

Kotari died arsenic a consequence of nan wounded he sustained while fighting Yamato Hata to a tie successful 12 rounds, nan World Boxing Council said connected Friday.

“The WBC and its president, Mauricio Sulaiman, profoundly mourn this irreparable nonaccomplishment and wish his family and friends spot during this difficult time,” nan WBC said successful a statement.

Another boxer, 28-year-old Irish super-featherweight combatant John Cooney, died of a encephalon wounded this twelvemonth aft being stopped successful his first Celtic title defence successful February.