Japanese boxing authorities will hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday after two fighters died following separate bouts at the same August 2 event in Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall.
Super featherweight Shigetoshi Kotari and lightweight Hiromasa Urakawa, both 28, died days later after brain surgery. The Japan Boxing Commission (JBC), under pressure to improve safety, will also meet trainers next month to discuss issues such as rapid weight loss and dehydration, which experts say heighten the risk of brain bleeding.
As an immediate step, the JBC has cut all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation title fights from 12 to 10 rounds. Secretary-General Tsuyoshi Yasukochi said the sport’s high pace and early heavy exchanges may make longer bouts more dangerous.
