12 Rounds and Extreme Weight Cuts? Consecutive Deaths of Pro Fighters Shock Japanese Boxing Community

Japanese boxing has experienced a shocking incident, losing two active fighters within two days. This is the first time in Japanese boxing history that professional fighters have died consecutively after their matches.

Japanese boxing experienced a shocking incident losing two active fighters within two days. WBA Instagram

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On August 10, local Japanese media outlets such as the Yomiuri Shimbun reported that Hiromasa Uragawa (28), who competed in a Japanese lightweight challenger match at Tokyo Korakuen Hall on August 2, complained of physical abnormalities after the bout and was transported to the hospital. He was diagnosed with acute subdural hematoma and underwent emergency craniotomy surgery, but ultimately passed away on August 9.

A similar tragedy occurred during the Asia-Pacific (OPBF) super featherweight title match on August 8. Shigetoshi Kotari (28) collapsed after a 12-round draw, was urgently transported to the hospital, and underwent craniotomy surgery, but also died.

On August 10, the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC) held a press conference and stated, "We feel a deep sense of responsibility as administrators for the tragic deaths of two fighters," and added, "We will work with all relevant parties to prevent such incidents from happening again."

JBC Secretary General Tsuyoshi Ankouchi said, "We believe that 12 rounds can be dangerous," and announced that from now on, Asia-Pacific title matches, including those held overseas, will be shortened from the existing 12 rounds to 10 rounds. The World Boxing Organization (WBO) super flyweight title match scheduled for August 12 has also been changed from 12 rounds to 10 rounds.

Since both fighters collapsed immediately after their matches, weight cutting has been identified as a possible factor in the accidents. In Japanese boxing, the practice of rapid dehydration to make weight before a match is widespread. There have been ongoing concerns that extreme dieting places excessive strain on the body. Some point out that this is closely related to the recent deaths.

The JBC also plans to implement mandatory pre-fight weight checks. In addition, they are considering introducing the WBC's athlete health management app 'BoxMed,' collaborating with universities, and investigating the medical systems of the United States Athletic Commission.

Secretary General Ankouchi expressed concern, saying, "The number of fighters capable of engaging in intense exchanges from the first round has increased," and added, "Defensive skills have not kept pace with the rapid improvement in offensive techniques." He further stated, "Compared to the period when I was involved in boxing, the current level of offensive power is extraordinary, to the extent that it feels like a different sport. We need to give more thought to how fighters can defend themselves against such attacks."

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