Takuma Inoue vs. Seiya Tsutsumi: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Japanese champion Takuma Inoue makes a third defense of the WBA bantamweight championship when he collides with unbeaten compatriot Seiya Tsutsumi at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, this weekend. Takuma Inoue won the title vacated by his brother Naoya last year with a unanimous decision over Liborio Solis. Inoue is a massive favorite to retain the title in the 12-round championship bout.

BOXING: WBA Bantamweight Championship

Where to watch: ESPN+

Venue: Ariake Arena, Tokyo, Japan

Date: 13.10.2024 14:00

The 28-year-old who grew up watching his brother before joining him in the professional ranks finally carved a name for himself when he won Naoye’s former title last year. Takuma Inoue fought Liborio Solis for the 115-pound title, with the pound-for-pound great moving up to super bantamweight. This year, Takuma Inoue successfully defended the title twice, knocking out Jerwin Ancajas last February before retaining the title after a unanimous decision over Sho Ishida. Takuma Inoue turned pro in 2013 and has lost over twenty fights only once, a failed bid for the WBC bantamweight title against Nordine Oubaali.

• Age: 28
• Height: 5’ 5”
• Reach: 64”
• Weight:115 Ibs (52kg)
• Record: 20-1

The former Japanese bantamweight champion comes into this bout having won six consecutive fights and overcome tragedy when his last opponent became unconscious and died six weeks later. Seiya Tsutsumi is ranked in the top ten by the major boxing promoters. The 28-year-old has won eight of his eleven victories by knockout and carries significant power. Unbeaten as a pro, Tsutsumi has two draws but has remained unbeaten. His power was evident when he dropped Kazuki Anajuchi four times to win a UD and retain the Japanese bantamweight title. Anajuchi later died in the hospital.

• Age: 28
• Height: 5’ 5”
• Reach: 65”
• Weight:115 Ibs (52kg)
• Record: 11-0-2 (Draw)

Seiya Tsutsumi is a 3.735 underdog on 1XBET, with the favorite T. Inoue at 2 odds to win the unanimous decision. Either of the fighters to win a unanimous decision is 1.72 on Bet365, with a split decision available at 4.75. Betway prices under 10.5 rounds at 4.20, with Tsutsumi to win by KO at 9.00. Read more here.