Seiya Tsutsumi and Daigo Higa are set to face off at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, on February 24, 2025, for the WBA World Bantamweight title. This ten-round bout, part of the undercard for the event headlined by Junto Nakatani and David Cuellar, promises to be an electrifying clash of skills and competitive spirit.
Tsutsumi, the undefeated fighter from Japan, boasts an impressive record with 12 wins, 2 draws, and no losses. His orthodox stance and relentless approach have defined his matches since turning pro and focusing primarily on competing within Tokyo. Higa, with his wealth of experience, holds a record of 21 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw. Known for his resilience and determination, Higa presents a formidable challenge for Tsutsumi, who needs to prove himself against tougher competition.
How can fans catch the action? Viewers in the United States will be able to watch the Tsutsumi vs. Higa match live on ESPN+. The main card broadcast is set to begin at 04:00 AM ET. It’s important to note, though, the main event may start later or earlier depending on delays or changes to the undercard matches.
To stream the fight on ESPN+, fans must have a subscription, which costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually. Subscriptions can easily be set up at plus.espn.com or via the ESPN app.
For fans outside the U.S., options to watch the match are limited. Unfortunately, direct live broadcasts will not be available for viewers based in the UK, Australia, or Canada. An alternative approach is to utilize Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass geo-blocking restrictions, allowing fans to stream the match on their preferred service as if they were accessing it from the U.S.
Before the anticipated battle, it's worth detailing each fighter’s attributes: Seiya Tsutsumi, hailing from Japan, stands 166 cm tall and has been honing his skills since becoming a professional. His record reflects his ability to maintain his unbeaten status, demonstrating his readiness for high-stakes bouts. On the opposite side, Daigo Higa also stands at 161 cm and possesses notable experience. His notable comeback and sturdy performances against seasoned opponents highlight his capability to complicate matters for Tsutsumi.
So, when exactly will the fight occur? The live broadcast on ESPN+ begins bright and early at 04:00 AM ET, but the actual ring walks for Tsutsumi vs. Higa are estimated to commence later, dependent on the preceding matches. For international fans, the scheduling is as follows:
- Ukraine: Broadcast at 11:00 AM, Ring Walks around 12:30 PM
- Kazakhstan: Broadcast at 1:00 PM, Ring Walks around 2:30 PM
- Turkmenistan: Broadcast at 1:00 PM, Ring Walks around 2:30 PM
- Uzbekistan: Broadcast at 1:00 PM, Ring Walks around 2:30 PM
Looking at the betting odds for the bout, Tsutsumi is favored to win with odds of 1.3 (-330), which indicates strong expectations for his victory. A bet of $330 on Tsutsumi would return $100 should he secure the win. Higa, listed as the underdog with odds of 3.8 (+275), presents intriguing value since a $100 bet could yield $275 if he triumphs. The most likely outcome for Tsutsumi to win appears to be via decision, with odds of 2.0 (-105), whereas Higa's odds for winning by knockout stand at 8.0 (+700).
The excitement surrounding this boxing match is palpable, with both fighters aiming to solidify their positions. The undefeated Tsutsumi’s record and Higa's resilience create compelling storylines leading up to the event. Fans are encouraged to plan accordingly to tune in live and witness what is set to be another thrilling chapter in boxing history.