Terrible tragedy, two boxers die within hours of meeting

Double tragedy in the ring. Two Japanese boxers, Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, both 28, died a few days after suffering brain injuries during bouts held the same night in Tokyo.

Kotari lost his fight on Friday and Urakawa on Saturday. Both had undergone surgery for a subdural hematoma, or hemorrhage inside the skull. Shigetoshi Kotari died from the consequences of a blow suffered during a bout against compatriot Yamato Hata, which ended in a draw. Hiromasa Urakawa, on the other hand, had lost by knockout to Yoji Saito, also from Japan.

The bouts counted for WBC and WBO matches. Both federations expressed their condolences to the families and loved ones of the two Japanese boxers. Last February, Irish boxer John Cooney (28) had also died after a bout, due to a brain injury.