Two Japanese boxers have died from brain injuries suffered during separate fights at an Aug. 2 match in Tokyo, according to world boxing governing bodies.
Shigetoshi Kotari’s death was announced by the World Boxing Council and World Boxing Organization on Aug. 8. The death of Hiromasa Urakawa was announced by the WBO on Aug. 9.
Kotari, 28, had lost consciousness, according to the WBC, after a 12-round match, a draw, against Yamato Hata for Hata’s Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation super featherweight title. Kotari was taken to the hospital and received emergency brain surgery for a subdural hematoma.
A subdural hematoma is a type of bleeding near the brain that can happen after a head injury, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
“Deeply sorry for this loss a ring accident which makes all of us go back to continue research to find ways to make boxing safer and implement prevention programs,” Mauricio Sulaimán, the WBC’s president, posted on social media. “Our deepest sympathy and condolences for his family and the boxing community in Japan.”
Urakawa, 28, also needed brain surgery, a craniotomy, after a six-round loss to Yoji Saito at the same event, the BBC reported, citing the Japan Boxing Commission.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Japanese boxing community during this incredibly difficult time,” the WBO posted.
The commission has since lowered OPBF title bouts from 12 rounds to 10.
USA TODAY
Category: Entertainment
Why I’m still single at 52 — Nollywood actress, Bimbo Akintola
Nollywood veteran, Bimbo Akintola, has spoken candidly about her personal life, admitting she is unmarried and has no children at the age of 52.
In a recent chat with Pulse Nigeria, when asked whether she had kids, the actress replied, “No, I don’t unfortunately.” She also confirmed, “I’m 52 years old. Born 1973, May 5th.”
On the subject of her relationship status, Akintola made it clear that her being single was not deliberate. “Not chosen oo,” she stated.
Since making her screen debut in 1995 in Owo Blow alongside Femi Adebayo, Akintola has become one of the most recognisable faces in Nigerian cinema. She went on to feature in Out of Bounds (1997) with Richard Mofe Damijo, cementing her place in the industry.
Born in Lagos, she attended Maryland Convent Private School and Command Day Secondary School before earning a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan.
Most recently, Akintola portrayed Inspector Mo Ogunlesi in Kemi Adetiba’s series To Kill a Monkey.
‘I Might Want More Kids Later’ – Tiwa Savage Explains Why She Froze Her Eggs
Nigerian Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage has revealed that she froze her eggs as a precaution in case she decides to have more children in the future.
Speaking in a candid interview with Zeze Mills, the 42-year-old mother of one said she wished she had taken the step earlier, urging women in their 30s to consider egg freezing as a way of taking control of their fertility.
“Having my first child in my 30s was beautiful because I was more financially and emotionally stable,” she said. “One advice I will give to women in their 30s is – whether you want children or not, freeze your eggs. I wish I did it earlier. But I’ve done it now. I don’t know if I want more kids, but in case I do, I have that insurance.”
Savage explained that women are born with a limited number of eggs, and reserves could decline unexpectedly. “You could wake up at 36 and your egg reserve is gone, and that’s when you now decide you want to have kids. So, I’m really a big advocate for egg freezing now,” she added.
Tiwa Savage welcomed her first child, Jamil, on July 22, 2015, at the age of 34 with her then-husband, Teebillz.
Lagos State Government Seals Vaniti Club House For Violations Of Traffic Regulations
By Ebinum Samuel
..State Reaffirms Uncompromising Stance Against the Obstruction of Public Roadways and Endangerment of Communal Safety
In an unambiguous assertion of its steadfast dedication to preserving public order and ensuring the seamless mobility of persons and vehicles within the metropolis, the Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), has sealed the premises of Vaniti Club House, strategically located on Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, over protracted and deliberate infractions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.
This resolute enforcement action, personally led by the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, and meticulously executed by the Agency’s Rescue and Compliance Unit, follows the Club’s habitual and defiant infringement of established traffic laws particularly its persistent facilitation of illegal roadside parking and flagrant encroachment upon public highways. These actions have not only disrupted traffic flow but have posed substantial risks to public safety.
It bears reiterating that the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, unequivocally proscribes any acts that obstruct vehicular movement or imperil the safety of road users, categorizing such conduct as a grievous statutory offence liable to punitive legal sanctions.
Despite a series of exhaustive sensitization efforts including sustained public enlightenment campaigns, direct stakeholder engagements, and multiple official warnings the management of Verniti Club House has remained intransigent, choosing to perpetuate acts that undermine the operational integrity of the State’s traffic ecosystem, particularly within the high-traffic corridor of Victoria Island.
Consequently, the State Government has invoked its full regulatory powers to seal the premises indefinitely. This directive shall remain in effect until the establishment unequivocally demonstrates total and verifiable compliance with all extant traffic laws and ancillary regulatory frameworks.
According to Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki “This enforcement initiative is not a one-off occurrence. It marks the beginning of a broader and sustained compliance campaign. We are actively monitoring other clubs, event centres, lounges, and recreational facilities particularly those that persist in impeding traffic flow by commandeering public roads and adjoining streets for private use.”
The Lagos State Government, via LASTMA, reiterates in the strongest terms its zero-tolerance policy toward any person, corporate body, or social enterprise that constitutes an impediment to traffic orderliness or endangers the commuting public.
Residents and commuters are therefore enjoined to report any errant event centres, lounges, clubs, or similar establishments that obstruct free passage or constitute a public nuisance to LASTMA through its dedicated toll-free emergency hotline: 0800-00-LASMA (080000527862).
The Lagos State Government remains unequivocally committed to fostering a safe, disciplined, and efficiently regulated traffic environment, in alignment with its broader vision of a world-class, livable urban landscape.
JUST IN: ASUU embarks on nationwide strike over delayed payment
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has commenced a nationwide strike in response to the non-payment of June 2025 salaries, triggering fresh disruptions across Nigeria’s public university system.
The strike action follows a resolution by the union’s National Executive Council (NEC), which enforces a strict “No Pay, No Work” policy. According to the resolution, if lecturers’ salaries are delayed by more than three days into a new month, industrial action becomes inevitable.
Already, ASUU branches at the University of Jos and the University of Abuja have downed tools in compliance with the directive, while others are expected to follow suit in the coming days.
ASUU National President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, confirmed the development in Abuja, describing the move as a response to the recurring financial hardship lecturers face due to persistent delays in salary payments.
He attributed the worsening situation to the federal government’s transition of university payrolls from the Integrated Personnel Payroll and Information System (IPPIS) to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).
Prof. Piwuna condemned what he called the “nonchalant attitude” of key government officials toward the welfare of university lecturers.
He said, despite efforts to engage the Minister of Education and the Office of the Accountant General, the union has seen “no meaningful progress.”
“Our members are experiencing hardship. Salaries are often delayed by a week or more. At NEC, we agreed that if salaries are not paid within three days of a new month, members should withdraw their services,” he stated.
He dismissed claims of technical issues with GIFMIS, insisting the delays are the result of deliberate negligence by the Office of the Accountant General.
“When funds are eventually released, there are no complaints of underpayment or technical failure. The system works; it’s the handlers who are stalling. We believe this delay is intentional,” Piwuna added.
He also raised concerns about the outstanding N10 billion in Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) owed by the federal government. He noted that although N50 billion was initially pledged, only N40 billion has been disbursed.
“We expect the remaining N10 billion to be paid without further delay to prevent another round of agitation,” he warned.
In Jos, ASUU branch chairman Dr. Jurbe Molwus confirmed that lecturers had withdrawn their services in line with the NEC resolution. He added that a strike monitoring team has been activated to ensure full compliance and stressed that continued delays in salary payments would result in sustained industrial action.
At the University of Abuja, ASUU members also downed tools on Monday. While branch chairman Dr. Sylvanus Ugoh could not be reached for comments, the university’s spokesperson, Dr. Habib Yakoob, declined to speak on the issue, referring all inquiries to ASUU leadership.
ASUU has long insisted that timely payment of salaries is critical for effective teaching and administration in universities. The current strike marks yet another chapter in the union’s ongoing struggle with the federal government over lecturers’ welfare.
I Made Nigerian Artists Bold Enough to Smoke Cannabis On-Screen Terry G says
Singer Terry G Claims He Pioneered On-Screen Cannabis Use in Nigerian Music
Nigerian singer Gabriel Oche Amanyi, popularly known as Terry G, has claimed he made a unique cultural impact on the Nigerian music scene.
According to the Free Madness crooner, his “sacrifice” paved the way for other Nigerian artists to feel confident enough to smoke cannabis publicly on screen.
Terry G, also known as The Akpako Master, stated that before he gained fame, most Nigerian musicians lacked the boldness to display such behavior in their music videos or public appearances.
He made the statement on Sunday via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, writing:
“No hard feelings, it’s all love, but don’t forget—if not for my sacrifice, none of your faves would have the guts to smoke weed on screen.”
However, his assertion sparked skepticism online, with many users pointing out that iconic figures in Nigerian music—most notably Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti—openly smoked cannabis on screen long before Terry G’s time.
Terry G, popularly known as “The Akpako Master,” made the claim on social media on Sunday.
Posting via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, he wrote: “No hard feelings, it’s all love. But don’t forget—if not for my sacrifice, none of your faves would have the courage to smoke weed on screen.”
His statement sparked mixed reactions, with many users expressing skepticism. Critics were quick to highlight that legendary Nigerian artists like Afrobeat icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti had openly smoked on screen long before Terry G’s era.
Why we arrested Singer Portable -Kwara police
By Ebinum Samuel
The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, also known in the entertainment industry as “Portable” following a petition received from one Mr. Okunola Saheed, popularly known as “Osupa,” against Habeeb Okikiola Badmus a.k.a “Portable”. The confirmation of the arrest of the controversial artiste is contained in a press release made available to journalists on Sunday night in Ilorin the Kwara State capital by the Police Public Relations Officer of Kwara Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.
According to the statement, Police detectives of Kwara Command have taken lawful steps in line with due process to investigate the allegations.Police authority further noted that the petition borders on serious allegations which includes criminal defamation, threat to life, incitement, character assassination, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and the use of abusive and insulting words. Police maintained that in view of the weight of the said allegations and the supporting evidence presented, the Command secured a valid arrest warrant from a Magistrate Court sitting in Ilorin.Acting on this warrant, operatives from the Command proceeded to Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Saturday, 13th April 2025, where the suspect was apprehended at about 19:25hrs.
He was immediately brought to Ilorin for further investigations.Upon his arrival, the suspect’s statement was taken in the presence of legal representatives from both parties and he is currently in custody and arrangements are being made to charge him to court without delay.The State however submitted that the Kwara State Police Command remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served in a fair and transparent manner urging members of the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information.
Legendary Hollywood actor, Val Kilmer, is dead
Veteran Hollywood actor Val Kilmer has passed away at the age of 65, his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed on Tuesday night.
According to The New York Times, Kilmer died on Tuesday in Los Angeles after a prolonged battle with pneumonia.
Kilmer, who came into the entertainment scene with “Top Gun,” was also recognized for portraying Jim Morrison in “The Doors,” Doc Holliday in “Tombstone,” and Batman in Batman Forever.
Kilmer also played large roles in Heat, 1995, The Saint, 1997, Willow, 1988, and more recently, Top Gun, Maverick.
He was one of the biggest Hollywood actors in the 1990s before spats with directors and co-stars and a series of flops dented his career.
Over the years, Kilmer gained a reputation as temperamental, intense, perfectionistic and sometimes egotistical.
According to Mr Kilmer’s daughter, the actor was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 but he later recovered.
Popular American actress found dead in New York apartment at 39
A popular American actress, Michelle Trachtenberg, widely recognized for her performances in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has passed away at the age of 39.
According to police sources who spoke with ABC News, Trachtenberg’s mother discovered her unresponsive in her New York City apartment near Columbus Circle on Wednesday morning, just after 8 a.m.
The actress had recently undergone a liver transplant and may have been dealing with complications, sources revealed. Authorities believe she died of natural causes, and no foul play is suspected. The city’s medical examiner will perform an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
A New York City native, Trachtenberg began her acting career as a child star, appearing in Nickelodeon productions like The Adventures of Pete & Pete and Harriet the Spy.
Her breakthrough role came in 2000 when she joined the cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer as Dawn Summers, the younger sister of Sarah Michelle Gellar’s character. She portrayed Dawn until 2003, earning a Teen Choice Award nomination for choice TV sidekick in 2001.
Last month, Trachtenberg reflected on her Buffy days by sharing a nostalgic photo with Gellar. She captioned the image: “Slay all day! Always loved this twinning photo of us! #buffy #dawn #sister #womancrushwednesday.”
In addition to her work on Buffy, Trachtenberg played Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl from 2008 to 2012, a role that earned her a Teen Choice Award nomination for choice TV villain.
“It’s kind of easy to be evil when you’re saying evil things,” she told Seventeen in 2009. “It’s definitely a lot more fun than playing the good girl. I love the reaction you get. I never understood why some actors don’t want to play villains or evil characters.”
Trachtenberg’s career spanned a variety of television and film projects. She appeared in series such as Mercy, Weeds, and Truth or Scare, and even had a minor role in the 2022 Gossip Girl reboot. On the big screen, she starred in films like EuroTrip, 17 Again, and The Scribbler.
Fans and former co-stars have been sharing tributes online, remembering Trachtenberg’s talent, kindness, and lasting impact on television and film.
VIDEO: Actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde shares testimony after life-saving surgery
Nigerian actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, fondly known as Omosexy, has thanked God following a life-threatening health scare that left her battling for survival.In a thanksgiving post shared on Instagram, the veteran actress recounted her harrowing experience, detailing how she underwent emergency surgery after enduring severe back and chest pain, persistent vomiting, and debilitating stomach discomfort.Omotola revealed that her ordeal began while she was busy working on her films and attending the Academy Voting Members’ screening of Gladiator II.
Despite her enthusiasm for the event, she struggled to remain upright during the screening as her symptoms worsened.The actress, who described her recovery as a “fight for her life,” used the moment to reflect on the importance of gratitude and the fragility of life.Sharing a video, she wrote, “Happy thanksgiving! please join me as I thank God for life and good health. (so my first caption didn’t post and this is another not as passionate as the first one ) arghhh.“Have you been told by a doctor ‘There’s nothing more we can do at this time’? And you still feel like you’re dying? A read ….“As you know by now, I had been getting my films ready and after the day’s edit, I proceeded for the Academy Voting Member’s viewing of the Gladiator 11 … but all through the viewing, I could not sit up… you see, I had been rushed to the ER twice that week already for back – chest pains that would come intensely and leave the next day! The doctors were checking for my now Hbp and intense acid reflux ! On the second admission, the doctor gave all the drips, blood work and sent me home to manage ? Luckily it left …However … after the movie, I knew there would be no talks with Denzel or Ridley Scott today. I needed to go! I threw up all night till there was nothing to throw up anymore.
By morning, the most filapidating stomach pain started and so l was rushed again to emergency… the third time ! This time, I was wheeled in, straight for a CT scan, ultrasound and the MRI. Then the doctor came in and said you have to go in immediately for surgery! … to remove your ball-gladder!!! It was so dilated, the doctors wandered how I was not in more pain. More pain???!So the fight for my life began and today, I am returning to give all the glory to God. So on this day, whether you’re in the US or not, there’s so much to thank God for, take some time to join in and give thanks.
Not only the gift of life, but the gift of good health. The gift of a complete body or a sane mind to even dream of a better day.
video link below
”https://x.com/MobilePunch/status/1862371948862288140?t=VcqN4XSMsq1Tf7MYYl30bQ&s=19