Japan Tightens Boxing Rules After Tragic Fighter Deaths
Japanese boxing authorities are fast-tracking sweeping safety reforms after two professional fighters died from injuries sustained in separate matches earlier this month.
At an emergency session on Tuesday, the Japan Pro Boxing Association (JPBA), the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC), and gym owners agreed to introduce stricter medical protocols, limit dangerous weight-loss practices, and enforce on-site ambulance presence for all bouts.
The meeting followed the deaths of super featherweight Shigetoshi Kotari and lightweight Hiromasa Urakawa, both 28, who suffered brain injuries during separate matches at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall on August 2 and later died following surgery.
While the exact cause is still under review, the World Boxing Association notes that rapid dehydration from aggressive weight cutting can heighten the risk of brain bleeding.
The deaths were “really regrettable,” said JPBA president Shoji Kobayashi. “We gathered today to establish a plan towards zero accidents.”
According to JBC secretary-general Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, the new rules will require urine tests to monitor dehydration, enforce tighter restrictions on pre-fight weight loss, halt sparring at set times before bouts, and partner with hospitals equipped for emergency head surgery.
Ambulance availability will now be mandatory, even for non-title fights.
Officials also plan to reduce Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation title bouts from 12 rounds to 10, a change already announced before Tuesday’s meeting.
“That such an incident occurred involving top-level boxers means we may face arguments that boxing should be halted,” admitted Toshiharu Kayama, former Japan welterweight champion and president of the Ebisu K’s Box gym. “We, the association and gyms, want to think and change” the way the sport is contested, he said.
An accident investigation committee will review the cases later this month, with updated prevention guidelines to follow. A safety summit involving doctors, pro and amateur boxing bodies will also take place in the coming weeks.
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