Shigetoshi Kotari died on Friday at age 28, six days after his grueling 12-round split draw with Yamato Hata at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall. Kotari collapsed after the final bell and was taken to hospital with a brain bleed; he underwent a craniotomy as doctors fought to relieve pressure. Hata was also hospitalized following the punishing fight.
A Tokyo native who campaigned mostly at lightweight after starting at junior lightweight, Kotari compiled an 8-2-2 (5 KOs) record - all 12 of his professional fights staged at Korakuen Hall. The WBO paid tribute on social media: “A warrior in the ring. A fighter in spirit. Gone too soon.”
Regulatory action is already in motion. Following Kotari’s emergency surgery and passing, the Japan Boxing Commission, led by Secretary-General Tsuyoshi Yasukawa, is set to implement reforms, including reducing OPBF title fights from 12 to 10 rounds. The move underscores a renewed focus on fighter safety in the region.
Before August 2, Kotari had never been scheduled beyond eight rounds. His jump to a 12-round distance ended in a razor-thin stalemate that left both fighters battered and a sport reflecting on risk, responsibility, and the measures needed to protect its athletes.
Image Credit: WBC