Donaire battles Tsutsumi for WBA Bantamweight title unification
Boxing legend Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire is set to make another run at history as he faces Seiya Tsutsumi for the World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight championship on December 17 in Tokyo — a bout that could make him the oldest bantamweight world champion in history.
The Donaire-Tsutsumi clash will headline a tripleheader event promoted by Teiken Promotions, according to multiple reports.
Tsutsumi (12-0-3, 8 KOs), the reigning “champion in recess,” previously captured the WBA title after defeating Takuma Inoue but was sidelined due to injury following a draw with Daigo Higa. Meanwhile, Antonio Vargas — who was elevated to full champion — withdrew from a planned consolidation bout due to personal reasons, opening the door for Donaire’s shot at glory.
Donaire (43-8, 28 KOs), now 43 years old, earned his interim champion status after a ninth-round technical decision victory earlier this year, marking a triumphant return following a two-year layoff.
A victory in Tokyo would not only unify the title but also cement Donaire’s place in the record books — and in the hearts of Filipino boxing fans worldwide.
“Age is just a number when you have the heart for greatness,” said Donaire, who remains one of the most respected names in the sport.
