Twenty‑eight‑year‑old professional boxer Shigetoshi Kotari died six days after a title fight with Yamato Hata.
The title bout ended in a draw, but during the fight Kotari suffered severe head injuries. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors diagnosed a subdural hematoma and performed emergency brain surgery.
In Japan, a skull trepanation procedure automatically means the end of a boxer’s career – this is required by the national commission’s rules. After the operation Kotari remained under observation, but on the night of 9 August the Japan Boxing Commission announced his death.
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,” the official statement said.
In his professional career Kotari fought 12 times – eight wins, two losses and two draws.
