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Tsutsumi Out as WBA Bantamweight Champion After Eye Surgery

05/14/2025




The Seiya Tsutsumi reign is officially over—at least for now.


The unbeaten Japanese star has been designated champion-in-recess by the World Boxing Association (WBA) after it was determined that recent eye surgery will sideline him for an indefinite period. As a result, Interim WBA Bantamweight Champion Antonio Vargas has been elevated to full titleholder status.


Tsutsumi (12-0-3, 8 KOs) was initially mandated to face Vargas in a title consolidation bout, but with the 29-year-old undergoing a procedure to address eye issues that have plagued him for two years, the WBA opted to relieve him of his current duties and allow the division to move forward in his absence.


In a personal statement, Tsutsumi acknowledged the change in status and provided clarity on his health situation:


“As reported in the news, I am set to become the champion-in-recess. I’ve had eye problems for the past two years. I was fighting while deceiving people. The surgery is now over and going well. The timing of my return, the timetable of the mandatory, and the opposing team could not be agreed upon. It seems that I’m going to become the champion-in-recess. Please rest assured that this is not the situation you are worried about. I am excited that my eye problems will be resolved and my boxing career will become even more fulfilling. It will come back to life and create a cyclone.”



Tsutsumi rose to prominence with a mild upset win over Takuma Inoue last October to claim the WBA bantamweight title. He made one successful defense in a closely contested draw with former champion Daigo Higa earlier this year.


No official timetable has been announced for Tsutsumi’s return, but his designation as champion-in-recess ensures that he will retain a direct path to challenge for the belt once he is medically cleared to compete again.


In the meantime, Antonio Vargas (19-1, 11 KOs), a former U.S. Olympian and surging contender, will move forward as the division’s recognized champion. The WBA is expected to announce plans for his first defense in the coming days.


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