TOKYO - WBA bantamweight champion Riku Masuda will make his first title defense against former titleholder Seiya Tsutsumi on Nov. 29, organizers said Wednesday.
At a news conference, Masuda, who became champion in July, predicted a third-round knockout victory and said, "I'm feeling pressure, but I'll turn that into strength."
Tsutsumi, who has not fought since successfully defending his title in December due to injury, was designated a champion in recess by the WBA before being reclassified as its top-ranked contender while losing the belt.
"It feels like a title defense. I'm fully prepared," he said.
On the same day, Kenshiro Teraji will make the first defense of his WBO super flyweight title against Jassiel Amador of Mexico.
Former WBA flyweight champion Seigo Yuri Akui will challenge Costa Rica's David Jimenez for the WBA super flyweight title as he seeks to become a two-division world champion.
"I just want to be myself and fight my way," Akui said.
