Japanese boxing is facing renewed scrutiny after a 39-year-old amateur fighter was left in a coma following a sparring session in Tokyo, further deepening concerns about safety in the sport.
The Japan Boxing Federation (JBF) confirmed on Friday that the unnamed boxer became unresponsive after three rounds of sparring on August 8. He was rushed to hospital where he underwent emergency brain surgery but has yet to regain consciousness. According to the JBF, the boxer had not competed in over a decade but had recently returned to training in hopes of making a comeback.
“We are praying he recovers as quickly as possible,” said JBF president Tatsuya Nakama.
The incident comes amid a wave of tragedies in Japanese boxing. Earlier this month, professional fighters Shigetoshi Kotari and Hiromasa Urakawa, both 28, died days after sustaining brain injuries in separate bouts in Tokyo on August 2. The deaths have cast a shadow over the sport and sparked urgent discussions about safety reforms.
In response, Japanese boxing officials have held emergency meetings and announced a set of new measures designed to better protect fighters. These include mandatory urine tests to monitor dehydration levels and stricter regulations against dangerous rapid weight-cutting practices, which are widely recognized as a major risk factor for brain injuries.
The crisis has also touched one of Japan’s most promising boxing families. Former WBC strawweight champion Yudai Shigeoka announced his retirement this month to support his younger brother, Ginjiro, who collapsed in May after a bout in Osaka. Ginjiro, 25, underwent emergency brain surgery and remains in a coma, though doctors say his condition is no longer life-threatening.
These alarming incidents highlight the inherent dangers of boxing and the urgent need for stronger safety protocols. While the sport has a storied history in Japan, its future could hinge on how effectively governing bodies address the risks facing athletes.
For now, the boxing community waits anxiously, hoping for recovery for those still fighting for their lives outside the ring.
