Japanese boxer Kazuki Anaguchi has tragically passed away at the age of 23 after suffering a brain injury during a Boxing Day points defeat in Tokyo.
Anaguchi faced fellow countryman Seiya Tsutsumi on the undercard of pound-for-pound superstar Naoya Inoue’s undisputed super-bantamweight clash with Marlon Tapales.
He was dropped four times during the bout, but managed to hold on until the final bell, with all three judges scoring the fight in Tsutsumi’s favour.
Anaguchi needed help from his team in the ring as he was seen struggling to stand up following a punishing contest, and there was immediate concern for his health.
He was transported to hospital afterwards, but lost consciousness in the ambulance and remained in a coma.
Japanese boxer Kazuki Anaguchi (pictured has passed away after suffering a brain injury during a fight
Anaguchi took Seiya Tsutsumi (left) the distance in their Boxing Day bout, but lost consciousness in the ambulance on the way to the hospital and was unable to recover
He underwent emergency surgery to remove a subdural hematoma, but was unable to recover from his injuries, and his death was confirmed on Friday.
Anaguchi was undefeated in his professional career prior to facing Tsutsumi, having won all six of his fights, with two victories coming by knockout.
His death has shocked the boxing community, and promoter Lou Dibella paid tribute to Anaguchi on social media on Friday afternoon.
Dibella posted on X: ‘Rest in peace, Kazuki Anaguchi. Prayers up for those he’s left behind.
‘Another reminder of #boxing’s deadly risks and the importance of best protecting our fighters from them.’