Tokyo, Japan - Seiya Tsutsumi successfully defended his WBA World Bantamweight title for the first time on February 24, 2025, against his long-time rival and friend, Daigo Higa, at the Ariake Arena. The highly anticipated bout ended in a dramatic draw with all three judges scoring it 114-114.
This title match marked the second clash between Tsutsumi and Higa, who first faced off in October 2020, also ending without a winner. Both fighters, born in 1995, share deep ties rooted in their high school boxing days, increasing the stakes of this encounter, fueled by friendship and rivalry.
The fight was as fierce as anticipated, with both fighters exhibiting remarkable determination. Tsutsumi, who claimed the title from Takuma INoue last October, faced Higa, determined to reclaim his status after setbacks earlier in his career. Higa had once held the WBC World Flyweight title and was famous for his consecutive knockout wins.
The first round saw both fighters establishing their distance, cautiously feeling each other out. Tsutsumi began gaining the upper hand, pushing the pace aggressively starting from the second round. Higa, known for his heavy-handed punches, waited for openings, leading to snippets of fierce exchanges.
During the fourth round, a head clash led to Tsutsumi sustaining a cut above his right eye. This caused some tactical shifts as Tsutsumi faced increased pressure with blood on his face. Despite the injury, he held onto his offensive strategy, refusing to back down.
Round nine became the most pivotal moment, with Higa flooring Tsutsumi with a powerful left hook. Just moments later, Tsutsumi retaliated with his right uppercut, bringing Higa down for the first time. After this exchange, the arena erupted, with cheers from fans supporting both fighters.
Post-fight, Tsutsumi appeared reflective about the contested match. "Daigo was incredibly strong, and I feel some shame about my performance," he admitted, acknowledging the difficulty of the match. This acknowledgment of vulnerability highlighted the intense psychological struggle both boxers faced throughout the fight.
He continued, expressing his desire to improve, stating, "I believe I want to be stronger and hope to express my ideal self more effectively. I can't help but think about how much I need to grow to deserve bigger fights. This match reminded me of where I still need to go." Tsutsumi's humility and determination to rise above this battle showcases his mindset and commitment to his craft.
Higa, reflecting on the atmosphere, mentioned, "From the moment I stepped onto the ring, I felt the pressure. Both Seiya and I wanted this fight so badly, and the conclusion of the match only adds to the intensity of our rivalry. It's not over yet, and I plan to come back stronger."
The bout concluded without the crown changing hands, each fighter retaining the prestige associated with their titles. Still, the tenacity displayed promises fans this saga is far from concluded. Higa, who returned after considering retirement, might see this as motivation to aim for the championship once more.
The significance of the match extended beyond titles; it enhanced the legacy of both fighters, aligning it with the tradition of epic encounters filled with respect and sportsmanship. Tsutsumi's words to Higa, "Daigo, thank you. You were strong," emphasized the bond they share, even as opponents.
With this strong display of skill and heart, Tsutsumi and Higa left the ring with questions buzzing among fans about their next steps. The audience at Ariake Arena echoed their excitement, leaving the door open for future showdowns. Both champions have shown they can push each other beyond limits, making each encounter highly anticipated.
This thrilling contest embodied friendship, rivalry, and the passion inherent to boxing. Tsutsumi walks away with his championship belt still intact, and both fighters emerge stronger than before, ready to tackle new challenges on their pathways to greatness.