The heartbreaking death of a 28-year-old boxer has forced a rule change.
Japanese boxer Shigetoshi Kotari suffered a brain injury in his drawn fight with Yamato Hata on August 2, and has died six days after he was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery.
The fight with Hata went the full distance, battled out over 12 rounds and ending in a majority draw.
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But following his death the Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) has changed the rules, revealing that their title fights from now will end after 10 rounds.
Kotari had an impressive record as a super featherweight boxer. From 12 fights his record stood at eight wins, two draws, and two defeats.
Tributes were flowing for the 28-year-old after his death was made public, with the World Boxing Council (the WBC) sharing details of his injury.
“The courageous Shigetoshi Kotari has died from a brain injury sustained during his drawn fight with Yamato Hata on August 2nd in Tokyo,” the WBC said.
“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…”
The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) also paid tribute, calling Kotari a “warrior in the ring”.
“Rest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari 🕊️,” they said
“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.”
Source of Boxing said: “Professional boxer Shigetoshi Kotari has sadly passed away at the age of 28 due to brain injuries sustained in his bout with Yamato Hata on August 2nd.
“Our deepest condolences to his family and friends Rest in peace champ.”
