Kotari Death Spurs Boxing Safety Changes

Japanese boxer Shigetoshi Kotari, 28, died six days after suffering a fatal brain injury during a 12-round OPBF super featherweight title bout against Yamato Hata in Tokyo on August 2. Kotari collapsed after the fight, was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma, and underwent emergency brain surgery but never regained consciousness. His death has sparked shock and mourning in the boxing community and comes soon after Irish boxer John Cooney died from a similar injury, intensifying concerns over boxing safety. In response, the Japan Boxing Commission has mandated reducing all OPBF title fights from 12 to 10 rounds to improve fighter safety. Tributes have poured in from major boxing organizations and fans worldwide, honoring Kotari's dedication to the sport. Another boxer, Hiromasa Urakawa, also required emergency brain surgery on the same night, underscoring renewed calls for better medical protocols in boxing.