A top boxer has sadly passed away at the age of 28, just six days after competing in a title fight.
The fighter collapsed and lost consciousness following his August 2 bout against Yamato Hata.
Source: Twitter
Japanese fighter Shigetoshi Kotari was immediately taken to hospital, where he underwent emergency brain surgery to treat a subdural hematoma.
Tragically, Kotari did not recover from his injuries and later died.
The World Boxing Organisation has officially confirmed his passing.
Nearly a week after the fight, the Japan Boxing Commission confirmed via social media that Kotari had sadly passed away.
“Rest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari,’ the statement started. ‘The boxing world mourns the tragic passing of Japanese fighter Shigetoshi Kotari, who succumbed to injuries sustained during his August 2nd title fight.”
“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.”
Kotari’s boxing career
Kotari fought 12 times in his professional career, securing eight wins, two draws, and two losses.
His Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) Super Featherweight Title clash with Yamato Hata went the full 12 rounds, ending in a majority draw.
In the wake of Kotari’s fatal injury and untimely passing, the OPBF has announced a significant rule change.
From now on, all OPBF title bouts will be contested over 10 rounds instead of the traditional 12 used in most of the world’s top championship fights.
WBC mourn Kotari’s death
The World Boxing Council (WBC) has also issued a statement following Kotari’s passing.
They wrote:
‘The courageous Japanese boxer Shigetoshi Kotari has died from a brain injury sustained during his draw fight with Yamato Hata on August 2nd in Tokyo.
‘Kotari, 28, lost consciousness after the 12-round bout for Yamato Hata’s OPBF super featherweight title. He was rushed to a hospital for emergency brain surgery, suffering a subdural hematoma, which is another term for a brain hemorrhage.
‘Kotari, from Nagoya, had won two consecutive eight-round fights by unanimous decision to earn this title shot.
‘The WBC and its President, Mauricio Sulaimán, deeply mourn this irreparable loss and wish his family and friends strength during this difficult time. Rest in Peace…’
After Kotari’s emergency surgery, Japan Boxing Commission Secretary-General Tsuyoshi Yasukawa announced upcoming rule changes.
OPBF title bouts will now be contested over 10 rounds, replacing the previous 12-round format.
Source: YEN.com.gh
