Kazuki Anaguchi has died after falling unconscious following his fight on December 26 with Seiya Tsutsumi in Tokyo, Japan.
He was 23 years old.
“Kazuki Anaguchi, aged 23, who lost by decision in the Japanese bantamweight title match held at Ariake Arena in Tokyo on December 26th last year, passed away at 5.38pm on the 2nd of February 2024,” read a statement from the Japanese Boxing Commission (JBC).
The Japanese bantamweight title fight featured as the chief support to Naoya Inoue’s victory at super-bantamweight over Marlon Tapales, when he became the undisputed champion.
Anaguchi suffered four knockdowns against Tsutsumi – in rounds four, seven, nine and 10 of the 10-round contest. He was a decorated amateur, but lost his unbeaten record that night via unanimous decision.
He was taken to hospital immediately after the fight having fallen unconscious, and underwent an emergency craniotomy procedure to remove a subdural hematoma on the right side of his brain. He remained in hospital until his death.
He held a professional record of six wins – including two knockouts – and one defeat.
