Japanese star Takuma Inoue makes the third defense of his WBA bantamweight title against countryman Seiya Tsutsumi on Sunday, October 13, at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo. The 12-round bout, plus undercard action, will be broadcast by ESPN+ in the U.S.
WATCH: Takuma Inoue vs. Seiya Tsutsumi, exclusively on ESPN+
Inoue (20-1, 5 KOs) has established himself as one of the most improved fighters in world boxing over the past 18 months. Frequently overshadowed by older brother and pound-for-pound superstar Naoya Inoue, the reigning WBA champ has established his own credentials with wins over Liborio Solis, Jerwin Ancajas and Sho Ishida.
Should Inoue win this fight, then WBC champ Junto Nakatani has stated that he’d be interested in a unification match if he gets past Thai product Tasana Salapat on October 14. “I’m going to do what I have to do for now,” Nakatani told BoxingScene. “If there is a chance, I will. I would like first to fight Takuma and then Naoya.”
Tsutsami (11-0-2, 8 KOs) has an advantage in punching power and he’s extremely aggressive. While this will be his first world title fight, the Japanese slugger did push former world champion Daigo Higa to a draw in 2020. At 28 years old, Tsutsami is in his fighting prime and will be confident of victory.
The Sporting News takes a look at the odds for this world title fight and predicts the outcome.
Takuma Inoue vs. Seiya Tsutsumi odds, betting
Per DraftKings, Inoue is the -370 favorite while Tsutsumi is the +275 underdog.
Takuma Inoue vs. Seiya Tsutsumi prediction
While Inoue doesn’t have his older brother’s chilling power, he has excellent technical skills and can stick to a game plan. His ninth-round knockout of former champ Jerwin Ancajas, who had never been stopped in a 15-year career, was eye-popping and Inoue was also dominant against Ishida.
Few would have picked Inoue as a potential world champion after a 2019 setback to then-WBC titleholder Nordine Oubaali. However, being around his brother has inspired him and he’s been guided brilliantly by acclaimed boxing promoter "Mr. Honda" (Akihiko Honda).
Tsutsumi is a fearless warrior as was evidenced in December in his tragic bout against the equally brave but ill-fated Kazuki Anaguchi, who died from injuries sustained in the fight. However, Inoue is in excellent form and has defeated solid opposition during his championship run.
A unification match with Nakatani is on the line, so expect the WBA champion to box a disciplined and tactical fight en route to a wide unanimous decision win.
SN Prediction: Inoue UD 12
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