In response to the recent heartbreaking loss of two boxers in the ring, Japanese boxing authorities have collaboratively introduced comprehensive measures designed to enhance athlete safety. This concerted effort, involving key organizations like the Japan Professional Boxing Association and the Japan Boxing Commission, reflects a commitment to preventing further tragedies. The newly adopted protocols encompass a range of initiatives, from ensuring immediate medical access at all events to implementing more rigorous pre-fight health evaluations, signaling a pivotal shift towards prioritizing fighter welfare within the sport.

The impetus for these critical reforms arose from a devastating event on August 2nd at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, where two fighters succumbed to injuries sustained during their bouts. This unfortunate incident, following the earlier passing of Kazuki Anaguchi in 2024 and the critical condition of Ginjiro Shigeoka after a May fight, underscored the urgent need for a re-evaluation of safety standards in Japanese boxing. An emergency summit was promptly convened, bringing together leaders from the Japan Professional Boxing Association, gym representatives, and the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC). Among the attendees were prominent figures such as JBC Executive Director Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, and from the Japan Professional Boxing Association, Chairman Shoji Kobayashi and General Secretary Toshiharu Kayama, alongside Japan Boxing Commissioner Minoru Hagiwara.

The deliberations at this crucial gathering yielded several significant policy changes. Firstly, emergency medical services will now be a standard fixture at all boxing events, ensuring that ambulances are present on-site for every contest, not just world title fights. Secondly, addressing concerns about dehydration and drastic weight reduction leading up to weigh-ins, officials mandated hydration testing. This innovative approach will utilize urine analysis to confirm that fighters are adequately hydrated, thereby mitigating risks associated with extreme fluid loss. Furthermore, a new rule will require any boxer who gains more than ten pounds between the weigh-in and the actual fight to compete in a higher weight class for their subsequent contest. In terms of medical assessments, while CT scans will no longer be mandatory for routine medicals, MRIs will be accepted in their stead. Additionally, fighters who have sustained injuries or significant punishment in their matches will be required to undergo further MRI examinations before being cleared to return to competition. The Japan Boxing Federation, responsible for amateur boxing in the country, also pledged to establish a joint medical committee with the Japan Boxing Commission's medical team, fostering a unified approach to athlete health.

Tsuyoshi Yasukochi, the JBC executive director, expressed the urgency of these implementations, stating that the proposed changes would be put into effect "as quickly as possible." Echoing this sentiment, Shoji Kobayashi, president of the Japan Boxing Association, affirmed their unwavering dedication, declaring, "We want to do everything we can." These proactive steps signify a collective determination within the Japanese boxing community to learn from past misfortunes and to forge a safer environment for all participants, thereby safeguarding the future of the sport.