Two boxers from Japan succumb to brain injuries following a tragic incident at a boxing event held in Tokyo.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, two boxers, Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, aged 28, lost their lives due to brain injuries they sustained during separate bouts at Tokyo's Korakuen Hall on August 2.
The Japan Boxing Commission did not provide any information about other boxers involved in the event or its current status. However, Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, secretary-general of the Japan Boxing Commission, stated that it was likely the first time in Japan two fighters underwent skull-opening surgery for injuries stemming from the same event.
Urakawa tragically died from injuries sustained during his eighth round, while Kotari lost consciousness and passed away on August 8 after brain surgery. According to his M.T boxing gym, Kotari had been receiving treatment for acute subdural haematoma.
The WBO extended its condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community, mentioning the heartbreaking news of Urakawa's death coming just days after the passing of Kotari. No further information was provided about the cause of the brain injuries or the specific nature of the fights.
Boxing-related brain injuries are primarily caused by repetitive head trauma, including both concussions and sub-concussive impacts. These impacts cause rotational forces inside the skull, shearing brain cells and disrupting nerve networks, contributing to brain injuries such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and long-term conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Preventive measures include limiting head impacts, using protective equipment, changing rules and enforcing them, providing education and harm reduction, and implementing stricter medical checks and emergency protocols. Japanese boxing authorities have responded to these incidents by moving to implement these measures, aiming to reduce brain injury risks.
This tragic event has once again brought attention to the dangers of boxing-related brain injuries and the need for stricter safety measures in the sport. The World Boxing Organization, along with the international boxing community, continues to express its condolences to the families and friends of the deceased boxers.
References:
- Preventing Sports Concussions
- Boxing and Brain Injuries
- Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in Boxers
- Brain Injuries in Boxing
Sports, specifically boxing, often necessitates therapies and treatments due to the high risk of brain injuries associated with the sport. Mental health, especially concerning boxers, is a significant aspect that warrants attention. To prevent brain injuries, several preventive measures have been proposed, such as limiting head impacts, using protective equipment, and implementing stricter medical checks and emergency protocols. Although the Japan Boxing Commission has announced intentions to implement these preventive measures, the tragic loss of Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for health-and-wellness reform in boxing and sports-analysis, ultimately aiming to improve mental-health outcomes for athletes while reducing the risk of fatal sports injuries.
