Riku Masuda
, who secured the mandatory challenger position for the WBA bantamweight title by defeating the veteran Nonito Donaire (Philippines) via an eighth-round TKO in March, was originally in negotiations for a mandatory bout with Antonio Vargas (US). However, Jesse Rodriguez (US) challenged Vargas first. Following his victory, Rodriguez is reportedly planning either a unification bout with a champion from another sanctioning body or a further move up in weight to challenge Naoya Inoue (Ohashi). Consequently, the WBA ordered Masuda to face champion-in-recess Seiya Tsutsumi (Kadoebi Jewel). However, as Tsutsumi’s return from injury could not fit the scheduling timeline, the WBA subsequently informed parties that the Masuda-Higa bout would instead contest the vacant regular world title.
While the announcement was made anticipation of current WBA regular champion Rodriguez’s next move, the situation is expected to be clarified prior to the Masuda-Higa contest. Teiken Promotions issued a document titled “Regarding the Background of the WBA Regular Championship Deciding Match between Riku Masuda and Daigo Higa” to explain the shifting status of the title. The promotional firm sought understanding for the announcement amidst the uncertainty, stating: “The WBA bantamweight title situation remains complicated due to unforeseen accidents, repeated injuries, and the involvement of Rodriguez, who possesses elite global drawing power. However, we anticipate that Rodriguez’s plans will be finalized before the 20 July fight date, allowing the title match to proceed under normalized conditions.”
増田㊧と比嘉の対決
The matchup itself between Masuda and Higa remains a highly compelling contest worthy of a world title stake. Sharing his assessment of his opponent, Masuda remarked that Higa appears optimistic on the surface but is a highly meticulous fighter, a factor he intends to account for in his preparation. Masuda enters the bout buoyed by the confidence of his decisive victory over Donaire in his previous outing. A victory would naturally set up a rematch with Tsutsumi, who currently holds the champion-in-recess status—a prospect that provides added incentive for Masuda, who previously suffered a defeat against Tsutsumi.
This bout marks Higa’s first return to the ring since his challenge against Vargas last year. It represents his fourth consecutive attempt at a bantamweight world title, following contests against Yoshiki Takei (Ohashi), Seiya Tsutsumi (Kadoebi Jewel), and Vargas. Although draws and narrow defeats have prevented him from capturing a belt, his competitive performances have maintained his standing as an elite fighter. “I realized that boxing is my true calling after all, so I have returned. My apologies,” said Higa, who had initially intended to retire after the Vargas fight before reconsidering earlier this year. “Moving forward, I want to continue competing for as long as I am able to,” he declared.
Analyzing Masuda, Higa noted, “Everyone is aware of his left straight, which demands caution. He also utilizes his right lead effectively to set traps.” He added, “I believe it will be an entertaining fight on the night.”
Advance ticket sales for “U-NEXT BOXING 6” commenced today at 18:00 via Lawson Ticket. Ticket tiers are priced at 55,000 yen, 33,000 yen, 44,000 yen (two-person ringside box), 22,000 yen, and 11,000 yen.
