Shigetoshi Kotari dies after suffering injuries on August 2 bout

Japan’s Shigetoshi Kotari (8-2-2, 5 KOs) died on Friday at age of 28, just six days after suffering brain injuries on 12-round split draw against Yamato Hata in Toyo.

Following the bout at Korakuen Hall, Kotari fell unconscious and was taken to hospital with brain bleed.

Kotari had emergency surgery at hospital.

In a social media post, the WBO wrote of Kotari: “A warrior in the ring. A fighter in spirit. Gone too soon.”

Before the fight with Hata, Kotari mainly fought six and eight round bouts.

Japan’s Boxing Commission also enforced new changes, that OPBF title fights – for which Kotari fought – will now be 10 rounds not 12 as previous.