Shigetoshi Kotari, was a talented super featherweight boxer who tragically passed away on August 8, 2025, find out more about him and his tragic death below
Kotari passed away just six days after suffering a severe brain injury during a 12-round title fight against Yamato Hata, which ended in a draw.
Japanese boxer Shigetoshi Kotari passes away: Cause of death, bio, age, height, wife, record and Instagram
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.
A warrior in the ring. A fighter in spirit. Gone too soon.
Our thoughts and prayers are… pic.twitter.com/PjZtDyBIU2
— WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) August 8, 2025
View this post on Instagram
Kotari’s last fight took place at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall, and his death has shaken the boxing community in Japan and worldwide.
Shigetoshi Kotari passes away
Shigetoshi Kotari was a professional boxer who tragically passed away on August 2, 2025. Following a 12-round title fight against Yamato Hata for the OPBF Super Featherweight title, which ended in a split draw, Kotari complained of feeling unwell and collapsed in his corner. Officials rushed him to the hospital, but he eventually succumbed to his death due to his brain injury.
Cause of death
Upon his arrival at the hospital, doctors performed a craniotomy to relieve pressure from the brain bleed. However, Kotari remained unresponsive, and seemingly passed away on August 8, 2025, from complications related to the brain injury.
Tributes and condolences
Following his tragic death, tributes and condolences have come pouring in. The World Boxing Organization wrote:
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. A warrior in the ring. A fighter in spirit. Gone too soon.”
The World Boxing Council stated:
The courageous Shigetoshi Kotari has died from a brain injury sustained during his drawn fight with Yamato Hata. We deeply mourn this irreparable loss and wish his family and friends strength during this difficult time.”
One of his fans also shared a heartfelt message online, stating:
He was one of the most promising boxers Japan had seen in years. We will never forget his fighting spirit.”
One fan posted:
Shigetoshi inspired so many young athletes. His loss is heartbreaking.”
Shigetoshi Kotari biography and age
Shigetoshi Kotari was a professional boxer who was born in Nagoya, Japan, in 1997. He had developed a passion for boxing during his teenage years and began training at a local gym. Shigetoshi quickly earned a reputation for his precision and discipline and he had won multiple amateur tournaments by the time he turned professional. Kotari was 28 years old at the time of his death ranked amongst the top fighters of the super featherweight division.
RIP to this modern day gladiator Shigetoshi Kotari. Applauded by the fans in his final contious moments. Heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/Mg8TapA95y
— Max Calendrillo (@MaxCalendrillo) August 8, 2025
Height and weight
Shigetoshi Kotari stood at a height of 5 feet 7 inches tall and competed in the super featherweight category.
Nationality
Shigetoshi Kotari was a Japanese national.
Career and record
Throughout his professional career, Shigetoshi Kotari fought 12 professional bouts, winning 8, losing 2, and drawing 2 matches. He also held the prestigious OPBF Super Featherweight title and ranked among the top fighters in his weight class.
Given Name: 神足茂利 ; Pro Boxing Record: 8-2-2 (Win-Loss-Draw). Ending Boxing Streak: 2 Wins ; Date of Birth: 1996 Sep 02 | Died: 2025 Aug 08
Wife and children
Shigetoshi Kotari kept his personal life private, and there are no confirmed details about a wife or children.
Shigetoshi Kotari had an Instagram account with the handle @k_shige92, where he had almost 2k followers and 120 posts.
Net worth
Shigetoshi Kotari had an estimated net worth of between $150,000-500,000, at the time of his death. Most of his income primarily came from fight purses and endorsements.
