Two 28-year-old fighters died from brain injuries on the same night in Tokyo, raising urgent questions about athlete safety in boxing. Shigetoshi Kotari, a rising contender in Tokyo’s super featherweight division, collapsed after winning his bout. Hiromasa Urakawa, a veteran with 15 professional fights, never regained consciousness following his own fight.
Discussions are intensifying about how to prevent similar tragedies in the future. For it’s part, the Japan Boxing Commission acted quickly, reducing the length of some title fights from 12 to 10 rounds. It’s also promising a thorough evaluation of medical procedures at events.
Two Japanese boxers die from brain injuries in separate bouts on same card https://t.co/vabJEyC27n pic.twitter.com/CkMf4qctA0
— New York Post (@nypost) August 10, 2025
The debate about how to make boxing more safe goes back more than 100 years. Now, pre-fight medical exams, how opponents are selected, and ringside staffing are under close review. Equipment standards in particular have become a focal point.
There is no single standard based on science for professional boxing gloves. Fighters and trainers typically select them based on tradition or brand preference rather than objective safety measurements. Unlike contact sports such as football or hockey, where certified equipment is required, boxing leaves protective gear decisions largely up to the athlete, promoter, or sanctioning body.
That is where emerging safety frameworks are gaining attention. The PRO FIST Standard, developed by US based performance brand Hit N Move with input from surgeons, scientists, and fighters, uses medical imaging and biomechanics to measure fist alignment, wrist stability, padding depth, and weight balance. Founded to create science driven gear that enhances performance and protection, Hit N Move reflects a growing push for equipment that plays a bigger role in reducing preventable injuries. The team emphasizes the damage boxers take happens not only in fights but also in large amounts during training. The accumulation of absorbed strikes to the head in sparring sessions adds to the risk of serious injuries, further increased by factors like strong weight cuts resulting in dehydration.
These safety concerns go way beyond the matches in Japan. In Brooklyn, an event that was not sanctioned drew criticism after one of the fighters suffered a concussion in a bout that didn't have a referee or medical staff ringside.
Upcoming bouts, including the highly anticipated Chris Eubank Jr. versus Conor Benn rematch and the return of 37-year-old Dillian Whyte, will test the sport’s approach to protecting athletes. Even incremental improvements in equipment and medical oversight could be significant for fighters, particularly those further on in their careers.
The tragedies in Tokyo may prompt lasting change. Governing bodies and promoters face pressure to modernize rules, improve medical oversight, and implement standardized protective gear. Protecting fighters is now a core responsibility of the sport.