TOKYO — A 39-year-old Japanese amateur boxer remains in intensive care after undergoing brain surgery two weeks ago, the Japan Boxing Federation (JBF) confirmed on Friday.
The boxer, whose name has not been released, fell unconscious following a three-round sparring session in Tokyo. Each round lasted three minutes. Medical personnel responded immediately, and the boxer was taken to a hospital, where surgery was performed.
The incident has raised fresh concerns within Japan’s boxing community, which is still reeling from the recent deaths of two professional fighters. The JBF stated that it is closely monitoring the boxer’s condition and has not yet provided further details on the circumstances of the sparring session or the athlete’s prognosis.
Officials have not confirmed whether an investigation is underway, but the case is expected to prompt further scrutiny of safety protocols in both amateur and professional boxing circles in Japan.