Japanese Boxing Prospect, Kazuki Anaguchi, 23, dies from injuries sustained in fight with Seiya Tsutsumi

Japanese boxing prospect Kazuki Anaguchi passed away this Friday, Febuary 2nd, 2024 from a subdural hematoma. The injury occurred during his Dec. 26 fight against Seiya Tsutsumi in Tokyo, Japan. Anaguchi was only 23 years old at the time of his passing.

Holding a current record of (6-1, 2 KOs), Anaguchi was knocked down four times over the course of the 10-round bantamweight fight and lost a closely contested decision. Tsutsumi, now (10-0-2, 7 KOs) also had a rough night, fighting through a severe cut on his left eye.

Anaguchi was shown seizing after the fight, as the decision was read. Spectators immediately sensed something was wrong. He was then carried out by members of his team and rushed to the hospital where he would undergo emergency surgery. Unfortunately, he would never regain consciousness.

The bout served as the co-main to Naoya Inoue vs. Marlon Tapales for the undisputed Junior Featherweight Championship on ESPN+. A very tragic ending to a great prospect’s career. Anaguchi won six of the 10 rounds on two of the three scorecards. His first and only loss came from this fight.