Hayato Tsutsumi heads to the pros! Signs with Shisei Boxing Gym!
Earlier today it was announced that former Japanese amateur stand out Hayato Tsutsumi [堤駿斗] had made his decision to hang up the vest, and head from being a star of amateur boxing to beginning his professional boxing journey.
The 22 year old held a press conference today to announced that he had signed professional papers with the Shisie Boxing Gym, the same gym that promotes WBO Super Flyweight champion Kazuto Ioka (28-2, 15) [井岡一翔], along with Featherweight contender Musashi Mori (12-1, 7) [森 武蔵] and former world champion Daigo Higa (17-2-1, 17) [比 嘉 大吾].
At the press conference the talented Tsutsumi explained that "I wanted to miss the Olympics and go to the pros sooner, but before that I decided to go to the world championships. I entrusted my dream of participating in the Paris Olympics (2024) to my brother Reito (19). I can go to the professionals refreshingly."
Notable whilst still an amateur he was regularly a sparring partner of Japanese sensation Naoya Inoue (22-0, 19) [井上 尚弥]. That led many to believe he was going to be the next notable name to join the Ohashi Gym, however Tsutsumi explained that he went to the Shisei gym due to it being "a good environment for fighting the world". He also added that "I would like advice if there is an opportunity", in regards to learning from Ioka.
There was also a third reason why he didn't sign with the Ohashi Gym, with Tsutsumi revealing that he wants to fight Inoue one day, and that's not something that happens when fighters are promoted by the same gym in Japan.
Regarding his aims in the sport, Tsutsumi explained "I want to be a world champion as soon as possible. I want to grab the world's belt and inspire my brother before he participates in the Paris Olympics". His journey to world titles will begin later this month, when he takes part in his B class pro-test, in late April. The next step after that will be his debut, which is being planned for either June or August, and could potentially take place on a Kazuto Ioka under-card.
The 22 year old held a press conference today to announced that he had signed professional papers with the Shisie Boxing Gym, the same gym that promotes WBO Super Flyweight champion Kazuto Ioka (28-2, 15) [井岡一翔], along with Featherweight contender Musashi Mori (12-1, 7) [森 武蔵] and former world champion Daigo Higa (17-2-1, 17) [比 嘉 大吾].
At the press conference the talented Tsutsumi explained that "I wanted to miss the Olympics and go to the pros sooner, but before that I decided to go to the world championships. I entrusted my dream of participating in the Paris Olympics (2024) to my brother Reito (19). I can go to the professionals refreshingly."
Notable whilst still an amateur he was regularly a sparring partner of Japanese sensation Naoya Inoue (22-0, 19) [井上 尚弥]. That led many to believe he was going to be the next notable name to join the Ohashi Gym, however Tsutsumi explained that he went to the Shisei gym due to it being "a good environment for fighting the world". He also added that "I would like advice if there is an opportunity", in regards to learning from Ioka.
There was also a third reason why he didn't sign with the Ohashi Gym, with Tsutsumi revealing that he wants to fight Inoue one day, and that's not something that happens when fighters are promoted by the same gym in Japan.
Regarding his aims in the sport, Tsutsumi explained "I want to be a world champion as soon as possible. I want to grab the world's belt and inspire my brother before he participates in the Paris Olympics". His journey to world titles will begin later this month, when he takes part in his B class pro-test, in late April. The next step after that will be his debut, which is being planned for either June or August, and could potentially take place on a Kazuto Ioka under-card.