In a latest ruling, the World Boxing Affiliation (WBA) Championship Committee has formally designated Japan’s Seiya Tsutsumi as “Champion in Recess” following a radical assessment of his documented medical situation. Consequently, interim titleholder Antonio Vargas has been elevated to full WBA world bantamweight champion.
Tsutsumi has been sidelined and unable to coach or compete since early 2025 on account of well being points, stopping him from fulfilling his obligatory protection in opposition to Vargas. On Could 6, 2025, Akihiko Honda of Teiken Promotions formally notified the WBA that Tsutsumi is medically unfit to proceed with the bout.
After cautious analysis of the medical documentation in accordance with WBA guidelines C.22 by means of C.24, the Committee reached its choice to protect the integrity of the championship panorama. Tsutsumi is now required to submit an authorized medical report detailing his remedy plan, rehabilitation, and projected return to the ring by August 2025. That report will likely be reviewed by the WBA Medical Committee.
The WBA reaffirmed its dedication to each aggressive equity and the well-being of its fighters, guaranteeing that the worldwide boxing scene strikes ahead with out compromising the well being of its champions.
