Japan’s boxing community is in shock after two professional boxers lost their lives this month, while an amateur fighter remains in a coma following brain surgery. The tragic incidents have sparked a heated debate on whether the sport needs stronger safety rules.
According to AFP, an amateur boxer underwent emergency brain surgery two weeks ago and has yet to regain consciousness. The Japan Boxing Federation said the 39-year-old fighter collapsed on August 8 during a training session in Tokyo after three three-minute rounds. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors operated immediately. He has not fought competitively in the last 10 years and was training for a comeback. “We are praying for his recovery,” federation president Tatsuya Nakama said.
This case comes just weeks after two other fighters died from injuries sustained in separate bouts on August 2. Super featherweight Shogatoshi Kotari, 28, and lightweight Hiromasa Orakawa both suffered severe injuries in Tokyo matches and later passed away.
In response, Japanese boxing authorities held emergency meetings and promised stricter rules to protect athletes. These include mandatory urine tests to detect dehydration and tighter regulations on extreme weight loss.
Meanwhile, boxer Yudai Shigeoka announced his retirement this month so he can care for his younger brother, Ginjiro, who has been in a coma since collapsing after a May fight in Osaka. The 25-year-old underwent emergency brain surgery and remains unresponsive, though doctors say his life is not in immediate danger.
The string of tragedies has left fans and officials questioning how safe the sport really is in Japan.
