WBA champ bothered by Donaire’s reputation

World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight champion Seiya Tsutsumi believes his second defense of the title against Filipino four-division legend Nonito Donaire next week in Tokyo, Japan, is a high-risk, low-reward fight.

“He’s (Donaire) a tough opponent. And I have a feeling of fear and excitement,” Tsutsumi said during a recent press conference.

The undefeated Tsutsumi and Donaire slug it out on 17 December at the Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Arena.

Younger by 14 years at 29, Tsutsumi is the solid favorite.

But the Japanese titleholder insists that he is up against a formidable foe, somebody who could just endure anything that he dishes out.

“I might hit him with a good shot and he might not even move,” Tsutsumi said.

That’s how dangerous Donaire is, according to Tsutsumi, who packs a 12-0-3 win-loss-draw record with eight knockouts.

Donaire, who has held world titles at flyweight, bantam, super-bantam and feather, sports a 43-8-0 mark with 28 knockouts.

His roster of knockout victims is star-studded: Vic Darchinyan (twice), Hernan Marquez, Fernando Montiel, Jorge Arce and Nordine Oubaali.

Although he lost twice to Naoya Inoue, his first brush with the Monster in 2019 almost netted him a sensational win. I. Suing

Donaire, born in Bohol but raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, arrived in the Japanese capital a few days ago after holding his training camp in Cebu City with his wife Rachel presiding over the workouts.

Helping him get ready were Jonymar Loreno, Alex Santisima, Alvin Camigue and Jemuel Aranas.

If he emerges victorious, Donaire will join a short list of boxers who won world titles in their 40s.