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Headway expresses deepest sympathy following deaths of Hiromasa Urakawa and Shigetoshi Kotari Main Image

Headway expresses deepest sympathy following deaths of Hiromasa Urakawa and Shigetoshi Kotari

Mon 11 Aug 2025

We are deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of Hiromasa Urakawa and Shigetoshi Kotari, who both sustained fatal brain injuries during a boxing event held in Tokyo on 2 August.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families and friends. We also extend our thoughts to their opponents, for whom these losses will be incredibly difficult to process.

Both boxers underwent emergency surgery for subdural haematomas but sadly succumbed to their injuries within days of each other.

That two young men lost their lives as a result of the same boxing event is a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in the sport. These are needless deaths that must prompt serious reflection on the risks associated with boxing and other combat sports.

These tragedies follow the death of Irish boxer John Cooney, who died from a brain injury sustained during a fight earlier this year.

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