Two boxers, both 28, tragically die from injuries after fighting at same event

Tragedy has struck in a boxing ring in Japan as two men have died after fighting in the same event.

Earlier this month, on August 2, boxers Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, both 28, suffered fatal brain injuries while competing on the same card, although in different fights, at the same event at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

Kotari reportedly collapsed after completing a 12-round draw against Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation junior lightweight champion Yamato Hata.

He lost consciousness after the fight and was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery.

Despite the best efforts of medics who tried to treat his subdural hematoma, a condition where blood collects between the skull and the brain, he tragically passed away just days later on Friday (August 8).

The pair sadly passed away after suffering injuries in the same ring (Getty stock photo)

Meanwhile, Urakawa suffered a knockout loss in the ring to Yoji Saito and was taken to hospital for a craniotomy in a bid to try and save his life.

Tragically, he too died on Saturday (August 9).

As a result, the Japanese Boxing Commission has announced that all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) title bouts will be reduced from 12 rounds to 10.

On Twitter, the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) paid tribute to each boxer respectively.

“A warrior in the ring. A fighter in spirit. Gone too soon.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, team, and the entire Japanese boxing community.”

In a follow-up days later on August 9, the organization wrote: “The WBO mourns the passing of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during his fight against Yoji Saito on August 2 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.”