The Championships Committee of the World Boxing Association (WBA) has announced that Antonio Vargas has been recognized as the WBA Bantamweight World Champion following the designation of Japan’s Seiya Tsutsumi as Champion in Recess due to a medical condition that has prevented him from training and competing in recent months.
The decision was made after reviewing the documentation submitted by Tsutsumi’s team, including medical reports that were evaluated by the WBA Medical Committee.
Tsutsumi captured the WBA Bantamweight World Championship in October 2024 and successfully defended his title on two occasions. However, the medical situation reported by his team required the Committee to assess his status in accordance with the organization’s rules and regulations.
Pursuant to WBA Rule C.22, which provides for Champion in Recess status when a champion is unable to defend a title due to medical, legal, or other justified circumstances beyond his control, the Committee determined that sufficient grounds existed to grant Tsutsumi such status for a period not exceeding six months.
As a result of this ruling, Antonio Vargas is now officially recognized as the WBA Bantamweight World Champion.
Furthermore, the WBA has authorized Vargas to make a voluntary defense of his championship against Jesse Rodríguez on June 13 in Glendale, Arizona. The winner of that bout, or Vargas in the event of a draw, will be required to face Tsutsumi within a six-month period thereafter.
The resolution also stipulates that Tsutsumi must submit updated medical reports regarding his treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery prognosis in order to allow the Committee to evaluate his eventual return to active competition.
The WBA reiterates its commitment to the health and well-being of athletes, as well as to the orderly development of its championships, ensuring a balance between the recovery of injured champions and the competitive progress of each division.