Japanese boxing officials scheduled an emergency meeting for Tuesday. They’re just answering the increased criticism due to the dangerous nature of the sport. This comes on the heels of the tragic deaths of two fighters. Shigetoshi Kotari (L) and Hiromasa Urakawa both died following unrelated fights at a recent Tokyo event.
The fighters, both 28-year-olds, fought on the same card at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall on August 2. Later, they all received neurosurgery. Their deaths have sparked intense scrutiny of the boxing regulations and practices in Japan, prompting calls for immediate action to ensure the safety of athletes.
Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, the secretary-general of the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC), speaks to reporters. He offered a wealth of information about the state of Japanese boxing today. He committed to the work and stewardship the organization needs from him at this unusual and urgent moment.
“We are acutely aware of our responsibility as the manager of the sport,” – Tsuyoshi Yasukochi
Yasukochi added that the offensive prowess of Japanese boxing is at an incredible pinnacle right now. He said it opened even more boxers up to that frank exchange in the middle of the first round. As he frequently did, he warned of the new risks that longer bouts might pose.
“The offensive power of Japanese boxing today is tremendous,” – Yasukochi
The JBC took a courageous step in light of recent events. They will cut all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation championship bouts from 12 rounds down to 10 rounds. This amendment is aimed at protecting the safety of our fighters. It directly addresses worries over the dangers of dehydration, one of the biggest issues often cited by Japanese media. Studies have shown that drastic weight cuts in the days leading to pre-fight weigh-ins can put fighters at a high risk for life-threatening injuries.
Yasukochi has testified about the risks of 12-round bouts to the health and safety of boxers. This is particularly poignant given the recent tragedies, as emerging discussions within the JBC and among stakeholders continue to underscore. The press emphasizes that dehydration makes the brain more susceptible to bleeding. This has led to public outcry regarding the extreme training and weight cutting methods that are employed by fighters.
The deaths of Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa have served as a wake-up call for the entire boxing community in Japan. As officials prepare for their emergency meeting, there is a collective hope that necessary measures will be implemented to protect fighters and uphold the integrity of the sport.
