Seiya Tsutsumi Edges Nonito Donaire in Bantamweight Unification Thriller to Retain WBA Title at Ryogoku Kokugikan
The Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan, reverberated with electric tension on December 17, 2025, as Seiya Tsutsumi retained his WBA bantamweight title and unified with the interim strap via split decision (115-113, 114-114, 116-112) over Nonito Donaire in a 12-round generational clash. Tsutsumi’s blistering speed and volume outlasted Donaire’s veteran power, marking a triumphant defense for the 28-year-old Japanese star amid a tripleheader of title fights. Broadcast live on Japanese networks and DAZN starting at 8:00 p.m. JST after prelims, the bout exploded on X, with @BoxingJapanX calling it “Tsutsumi’s razor-edge masterclass—Filipino Flash fades.” Tokyo’s sumo-hall heritage, amplified by a sold-out crowd of 10,000 and fight-week festivities like Asakusa fan expos, made this a landmark night for the 118-pound division, pitting Tsutsumi’s precision against Donaire’s legendary grit.
Fight Overview
Tsutsumi vs. Donaire headlined the Teiken Promotions tripleheader at Ryogoku Kokugikan, kicking off at 8:00 p.m. JST on Japanese TV/DAZN after undercard bouts at 5:00 p.m. JST. Slated for around 10:00 p.m. JST, the stakes were unification gold: Tsutsumi, 28, defended his regular title post a controversial 2025 draw with Daigo Higa, while 42-year-old Donaire chased history as the oldest bantamweight champ. Bet365 odds favored Tsutsumi at -250, with Donaire at +200 as the sentimental underdog. X framed it as “youth vs. legend,” with @BadLeftHook posting, “Tsutsumi’s speed vs. Donaire’s bombs—WBA unification fireworks in Tokyo!” The 10,000 fans, buzzing from Ryogoku pressers and sumo-crossover events, created a feverish vibe. X polls leaned 60% toward Tsutsumi, per @RingMagazine.
Seiya Tsutsumi The 28-year-old from Tokyo, Japan, entered with a 12-0-3 record (8 KOs), orthodox at 5’5″ with a 66-inch reach. The undefeated titlist averages 7.5 punches per round at 59% accuracy (Compubox), holding the belt since dethroning Takuma Inoue in 2024. Fresh from eye surgery, X clips show him sharpening feints under coach Satoshi Hosako. His 67% KO rate and home support make him a rising force, with @TeikenBoxing tweeting, “Tsutsumi’s the future—unify tonight!”
Nonito Donaire The 42-year-old from Talisay City, Philippines, sported a 43-8 record (28 KOs), orthodox at 5’6″ with a 67-inch reach. The “Filipino Flash” lands 6.8 power shots per round at 54% accuracy (Compubox), rebounding from a 2025 win over Andres Campos for interim gold. Training in Las Vegas, X footage shows hook drills with Nonoy Neri. @BoxingNews24 noted, “Donaire’s +200 is legacy value at 42.”
The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown
Round 1: Ryogoku erupts as Tsutsumi jabs crisply, circling Donaire with speed. Nonito closes at 1:20, landing a body hook, but Tsutsumi counters with a right at 2:45, drawing blood from Donaire’s cheek. Compubox: Tsutsumi 28/48 to Donaire’s 15/35. @BoxingJPN scores 10-9 Tsutsumi.
Round 2-3: Donaire aggresses in Round 2, ripping a left at 0:50 that tests Tsutsumi’s chin. Tsutsumi responds with volume, landing 35/60 in Round 3. Donaire’s cut opens at 2:15. Scores 20-18 Tsutsumi.
Round 4-6: Donaire traps Tsutsumi in Round 4, landing shorts at 1:30 (24 landed). Tsutsumi outlands 80-65 over 5-6 with angles; Round 6 uppercut wobbles Donaire briefly. 10-9 Donaire Round 4, Tsutsumi 5-6.
Round 7-9: Donaire rallies Round 7, staggering Tsutsumi with a hook at 1:45 (26 landed). Tsutsumi reclaims in 8-9, jabbing relentlessly (42/70). Cut worsens on Donaire. 10-9 Donaire Round 7, Tsutsumi 8-9.
Round 10-12: Tsutsumi dominates 10-11 with flurries (50/80), body work slowing Donaire. Final round: Donaire swings desperately, but Tsutsumi’s 30 landed edge it. Compubox: Tsutsumi 220/410 (54%) to Donaire’s 185/370 (50%). Split decision for Tsutsumi.
Key Moments and Impact
Tsutsumi’s Volume: 220/410 punches (54% accuracy) edged Donaire, speed turning the tide late. @BadLeftHook: “Unification for the young gun.” Donaire’s Power: Round 7 stagger and 45 body shots kept it close, 50% accuracy timeless. Fan Reaction: The 10,000 roared for Donaire’s surges; X polls flipped to 65% Tsutsumi. Cut Impact: Donaire’s cheek cut bled heavily, but he absorbed 5.9 per round with heart.
Post-Fight Analysis and Implications
Tsutsumi, now 13-0-3, declared, “For Japan! Higa rematch next!” His unification nets $100,000 bonuses, 67% KO rate intact; power against elites untested. Donaire, 43-9, gracious: “Seiya’s the champ; proud at 42.” Legacy endures for exhibitions. Bantamweight simmers with Takuma Inoue, Junto Nakatani lurking.
Event Context and Tokyo Atmosphere
The tripleheader included Takami-Santiago UD for WBA/WBO light flyweight and Olascuaga-Kuwahara TKO for WBO flyweight; 60% decisions added intrigue. Fans hyped by Ryogoku galas; @RingMagazine: “Tokyo’s title night shines.” DAZN’s stream marked a 2025 Japanese peak.
What’s Next?
Tsutsumi eyes Higa II in 2026 Tokyo. Donaire plots farewell. This Ryogoku epic crowns Tsutsumi’s reign.
On December 17, 2025, Seiya Tsutsumi outpointed Nonito Donaire via split decision, speed unifying WBA belts amid Kokugikan cheers. Youth vaults forward, as bantamweight legacy endures.
