Did Shigetoshi Kotari win his last fight? Details explored as boxing world mourns death of 28 yo 

Japanese boxer Shigetoshi Kotari’s final fight took place on August 2, 2025, at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall. He faced Yamato Hata for the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) super featherweight title. The match lasted the full 12 rounds and ended in a split draw. This meant there was no winner in the bout.

Shortly after the fight, Kotari collapsed in his corner. Medical staff rushed him to the hospital. Doctors found he had suffered a subdural hematoma. He underwent emergency surgery but did not regain consciousness.

On August 8, 2025, Kotari died at the age of 28. His death has left the boxing community in Japan and worldwide in mourning. Tributes poured in from major boxing organizations, including the WBO and WBC.

Shigetoshi Kotari’s last fight and result

The fight against Yamato Hata was one of the biggest matches of Kotari’s career. These both boxers passed 12 rounds of the competition. The scorecards of the judges were divided and the result was draw. Neither of the men was announced as a winner.

This was not the first time Shigetoshi Kotari was in good form. He won back to back fights through unanimous decisions and this gave him the opportunity to become a contender of the OPBF title. He was catching some attention in the Japanese boxing industry with his performance in the ring.

The competition was tough, but Kotari did not give indicators of serious injuries in the rounds. Not until the last bell after sitting down in his corner, did he collapse. This acted as the first incidence of a medical emergency which he unfortunately succumbed to.

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Reactions and safety measures

When Shigetoshi Kotari died it stunned the boxing world. In their tribute, the WBO described him as a warrior in the ring and WBC sent its condolence to his family and his fans. Condolence messages were received from various people in the sports fraternity; even from fellow fighters.

In Japan, his death has resulted in a change of the rules in the sport of boxing. Japan Boxing Commission declared that all OPBF title fights in the country to take place in 10 rounds rather than 12 rounds. Hopely, this will minimize the chances of such in future injuries according to the authorities.

The tragic event has also sparked the debate concerning the safety in combat sports once again. The procedures involved in training and medical checks are under consideration by medical professionals and those in charge of boxing to help protect fighters even more.

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The last encounter of Shigetoshi Kotari did not go as a win, but an even score. He passed away due to the injuries that he had sustained during this match six days later. His death has caused sorrow in the boxing fraternity and it has introduced new safety regulations in Japan. Though his career did not have enough time to achieve more, his struggle and influence will remain in the history of Japanese boxing.

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