(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Japanese Boxing Faces Safety Concerns After Recent Tragedies
TOKYO: Japanese boxing is facing serious questions about safety following the deaths of two professional fighters earlier this month. The incidents have sparked nationwide discussions on health regulations, training practices, and the future of the sport in the country.
Recent Incidents
Super featherweight Shigetoshi Kotari and lightweight Hiromasa Urakawa, both 28, collapsed after separate bouts held on August 2 at Korakuen Hall, Tokyo. Despite undergoing brain surgery, both athletes tragically passed away within days.
These incidents follow the death of another boxer in December 2023 and a case in May 2024 where a fighter was left in a coma. The back-to-back tragedies have raised alarms across Japan’s boxing community.
Investigations and Safety Measures
The Japan Boxing Commission (JBC), in collaboration with the Japan Pro Boxing Association (JPBA), has launched investigations and is considering new safety measures. Among the main concerns:
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Rapid weight loss before fights: Many boxers reduce weight quickly before weigh-ins and then regain it within days. Experts say this can increase the risk of serious brain injuries.
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Sparring intensity: Japanese fighters are known for their aggressive sparring sessions, which officials believe may contribute to long-term risks.
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Fighting style: Many boxers adopt an “all-out attack” approach, prioritizing offense over defense, which can lead to higher damage during matches.
The JBC is currently considering rules that would require fighters who regain more than 10% of their body weight after a weigh-in to move up a weight class. Other proposed reforms include stricter limits on sparring, improved medical screenings, and ensuring ambulance availability at all events.
Balancing Safety with Competition
While safety is the top priority, some gym owners worry that strict rules could disadvantage Japanese fighters in international competitions where similar restrictions may not exist.
“Japanese boxers give everything from the very first round. It’s part of their spirit, but it also brings risks,” JBC secretary-general Tsuyoshi Yasukochi noted.
Looking Ahead
Boxing in Japan has a history spanning more than a century, with Tokyo alone home to over 150 boxing gyms. Traditionally, clubs and fighters have operated under a system built on trust with regulators. However, recent events have prompted calls for stricter monitoring.
The JBC and JPBA are expected to announce concrete safety guidelines in September 2024, with a focus on medical checks, MRI scans, and closer oversight of clubs.
Despite the challenges, officials stress that the goal is to protect athletes while preserving the competitive spirit of Japanese boxing.
“We may never reduce accidents to zero,” said JPBA official Kazuhiro Ryuko, “but we must do everything possible to bring that number as close as we can.”
