The Philippines’ Nonito Donaire Jr. (43–8, 28 KOs) will look to make history later today as he takes on Japan’s Seiya Tsutsumi (12–0–3, 8 KOs) for the latter’s WBA bantamweight belt. Donaire and Tsutsumi’s title clash will take place at the famed Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan.
Both champion and challenger tipped the scales at 117.75 lbs. The fight will be a consolidation, as the Filipino legend holds an interim version of the 118-lb WBA belt.
Higher Stakes Than Originally Planned
The Donaire vs. Tsutsumi fight originally had lower stakes, as the Japanese fighter had previously been named “Champion in Recess” by the WBA after he couldn’t fulfill his mandatory title defense earlier this year. Antonio Vargas (19–1–1–1, 11 KOs), who, like Donaire, holds an interim version of the belt, was elevated to champion.
But, in a twist of fate, Vargas himself was unavailable for a mandatory title fight against Tsutsumi in October, prompting the WBA to reverse its earlier ruling and reinstate the Japanese fighter as the full-time champ. Vargas, on the other hand, was relegated to “Champion in Recess.”
Donaire Is Ready for Anyone
The Filipino veteran, of course, doesn’t care much about who he’s facing or the circumstances that go along with whoever it is that he will be fighting.
“I’ve always been known for just going for what’s in front of me,” Donaire told BoxingScene. “Whatever top name is available, I’m always willing to fight. It’s what motivates me and inspires me.”
The 43-year-old Donaire, known as The Filipino Flash, has won belts at flyweight, bantamweight, junior featherweight, and featherweight. He also previously held a secondary belt at 115 lbs and holds an interim WBA 118-lb belt after beating Andres Campos this past June in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Now, he’s looking to win a title once more and become the oldest bantamweight to become a full-time champion.
