Two boxers have died just a day apart after suffering brain injuries in separate fights on the same card in Japan.
Shigetoshi Kotari died on Friday and Hiromasa Urakawa on Saturday after being injured in their boxing fights at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo on August 2.
Both fighters are reported to have undergone operations for bleeds on the brain.
Kotari, 28, died on Friday following his bout with Yamato Hato, with the clash for the OPBF super-featherweight title ending in a draw.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said on Friday: “Deeply sorry for this loss, a ring accident which makes all of us go back to continue research to find ways to make boxing safer and implement prevention programmes.
“Our deepest sympathy and condolences for his family and the boxing community in Japan.”
Urakawa, also 28, was beaten via knockout on that same card in the eighth round against Yoji Sato.
The WBO said it ‘mourns the passing of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during his fight against Yoji Saito’.
It added: “This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from injuries suffered in his fight on the same card.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time.”
In a separate statement the WBC added: “The WBC and its President, Mauricio Sulaiman, deeply mourn this irreparable loss and wish his family and friends strength during this difficult time.”
The Japan Boxing Commission has already announced that all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title bouts will be reduced from 12 rounds to 10.
Third boxing death in 2025
The Japanese pair are the third high-profile boxer deaths of 2025.
Irishman John Cooney passed away in February following a fight in Belfast.
The 28-year-old suffered an intracranial haemorrhage following his fight with Nathan Howells.
His promoter MGB Promotions released a statement on behalf of his family, which read: “It is with complete devastation that we have to announce that after a week of battling for his life John Cooney has sadly passed away.
“Mr and Mrs Cooney and his fiancée Emmaleen would like to thank the staff at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital who have worked tirelessly to save John’s life and for everyone who has sent messages of support and prayers.
“He was a much loved son, brother and partner and It will take us all a lifetime to forget how special he was.
“RIP John ‘The Kid Cooney’.”