Donaire yields to Tsutsumi by split decision in Tokyo

MANILA, Philippines – Nonito Donaire fell short in his bid to wrest the World Boxing Association bantamweight crown from Seiya Tsutsumi on Wednesday, December 17, losing by split decision at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

The 43-year-old Donaire dominated the early rounds, but the younger Tsutsumi picked up the pace and clinched the last three rounds to earn the nod of two judges, 115-113 and 117-111. The third judge sided with the “Filipino Flash,” 116-112.

Donaire, a four-division world champion and nine-time world titlist, had his moments, catching Tsutsumi with a left hook and body shots, nearly stopping the Japanese, who was saved by the bell.

Donaire continued his assault with jabs in the fifth round as Tsutsumi tried to regain his bearing even with a bloody nose.

By the seventh round, Tsutsumi had gotten his second wind as Donaire started to fade, landing jabs and combinations.

With the loss, Donaire, a future Hall of Famer, fell to 43-9 with 28 knockouts.

The 29-year-old Tsutsumi lived up to his favorite’s role and improved to 13-0-3 with 8 knockouts. – Rappler.com