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Boxers Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, both 28, died within days of each other, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) announced
The Japanese boxers were both injured in separate fights at the same event in Tokyo on Aug. 2
PEOPLE previously reported that Kotari had undergone emergency brain surgery following his fight
Two Japanese boxers have died from brain injuries sustained from two separate matches on the same day.
While Shigetoshi Kotari, 28, died on Friday, Aug. 8, after being injured in a title fight on Aug. 2 at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Hiromasa Urakawa, also 28, died the following day from injuries sustained in his defeat against Yoji Saito at the same event, according to CNN and Sky Sports.
PEOPLE previously reported that Kotari had been rushed for emergency surgery for a subdural hematoma – a type of bleeding between the skull and the brain – following his fight.
Urakawa also needed brain surgery following his fight, according to Sky Sports.
The World Boxing Organization paid tribute to the late boxing stars.
“Rest in peace, Shigetoshi Kotari. The boxing world mourns the tragic passing of Japanese fighter Shigetoshi Kotari, who succumbed to injuries sustained during his August 2nd title fight,” they wrote on Friday alongside a black and white photo of Kotari raising one arm in the air.
Shigetoshi Kotari /Instagram
Shigetoshi Kotari
The organization added, “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.”
PEOPLE has contacted the Japanese Boxing Commission for comment.
The WBO also paid tribute to Urakawa, writing, “This heartbreaking news comes just days after the passing of Shigetoshi Kotari, who died from injuries suffered in his fight on the same card.”
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time,” they concluded.
Hiromasa Urakawa/Instagram
Hiromasa Urakawa
Following the deaths, all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation title bouts will now be 10 rounds instead of 12, according to CNN.
The Japan Boxing Commission will be holding a meeting on Tuesday to talk about safety in the industry, Sky Sports reported.
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“We are acutely aware of our responsibility as the manager of the sport,” Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, secretary general of the Japan Boxing Commission, told the press, per the outlet. “We will take whatever measures we can.”
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