Seiya Tsutsumi vs Nonito Donaire: Who Wins?

‘Cyclone’ Tsunami Is A Destructive Force

There may not be a more accurate moniker by which a fighter markets themselves in world boxing than that of “Cyclone” used by Tsutsumi. Through 15 professional contests, the 29-year-old has shown that he has a strong taste for high volume, pushing himself into throwing three and four-punch combinations in an effort to break an opponent’s will. For evidence, look no further than his two world title fights to date.

On the night Tsutsumi won the belt from Takuma Inoue in October 2024 and the subsequent first defence against Daigo Higa in February, which ended in a draw, the Kumamoto native threw over 1,000 punches, mixing targets well and applying relentless pressure throughout. Although Donaire has seen almost every style imaginable during his nearly 25-year career, the conditioning and work rate that characterize Tsutsumi’s “balls to the wall” style should be his deciding advantage in the contest.

One Last Trick Up The Sleeve?

While it is often said that ‘Father Time is undefeated’ in boxing, he is just like any fighter in that he can leave the door ajar for opponents to walk in and capitalize on. That process might be best described by another common idiom heard countless times within the context of the sweet science – ‘the power is the last to go.’

Across the three decades in which he has competed and held titles, Donaire has exhibited said power, often in the form of a thunderous left hook. Granted that the most recent performances of the now 43-year-old “The Filipino Flash” have looked more like a shimmer, it is hard to completely dismiss the chances of the modern marvel when he has proven to have the magic touch time and again. Who’s to say that the same famous left, the one that detonated on Vic Darchinyan’s chin in 2007 to win his first title; the same one that sent Jorge Arce into retirement in 2012 and broke Naoya Inoue’s orbital in 2019, can’t somehow find the mark again in 2025.

After all, Daigo Higa used that exact weapon to send Tsutsumi to the canvas in the epic ninth round of their February meeting. Leaning on an edge in experience and IQ to set up a telling blow will be the biggest challenge. However, it might be the slightest of openings, but for now, Father Time’s door isn’t completely latched.

Seiya Tsutsumi vs. Nonito Donaire Prediction

As hard as it is not get caught up in the romanticism of the moment, it is equally difficult to ignore the obvious upper hand that Tsutsumi holds in terms of age, in-ring activity, and conditioning. For that reason, I can see Donaire perhaps landing a big shot early but ultimately succumbing to the pressure and being stopped in the second half of the bout.

Seiya Tsutsumi vs. Nonito Donaire Betting Odds

Per DraftKings SportsBook, Seiya Tsutsumi is the favorite at -360, and Nonito Donaire is the underdog at +270.

Seiya Tsutsumi: TKO/KO +170; Decision +120

Draw: +1600

Nonito Donaire: TKO/KO +600; Decision  +600