The WBA bantamweight titlist was in New York for The Ring awards on January 30, where he was one half of Round of The Year accolade, sharing it with Daigo Higa for their momentous ninth round. He followed that up claiming the Outstanding performance award at the Japanese Boxing Commission and the Sportswriters Club.

Tsutsumi, The Ring's No. 1-rated player at 118 pounds, was held to a 12-round draw by Higa last February before winning an equally absorbing encounter against Nonito Donaire on December 17.

"It was an honor to share the ring with a true global legend," Tsutsumi (13-0-3, 8 KOs) told The Ring. "But considering where I stand right now in my career, I honestly wanted to win in dominant matter.

"I had him hurt — close to finishing him — but had to be cautious of his counter punch and couldn't go all in. That's where I really felt his level of experience."

The Filipino Flash started strongly, dropping and hurting Tsutsumi badly in the fourth round, but the Japanese warrior found a way to survive before coming on strong down the finishing straight to emerge victorious.

"I expected there would be moments when I'd get hit clean," he said. "I was prepared for that; stayed calm and dealt with it. The worst thing I could have done was panic. I focused on what I needed to do, and that composure came from the work I've put into every single day in training."

You get the impression watching Tsutsumi that he couldn't be involved in a bad fight and would be fun to watch shadow box.

"I think it's because I'm always facing opponents either on my level or even more talented than I am," he explained.

"I'm the kind of boxer who can beat fighters considered stronger than me. That's how I define myself."

Tsutsumi, who enjoys cooking and prepares his own food during training camp, is also known as a stylish dresser and while some fighters like luxury cars, he likess to buy American vintage and rare pieces of clothing.

He's currently enjoying some downtime, doubtlessly cooking, perusing clothing stores and websites before facing WBA 'champion in recess' Antonio Vargas in the next couple of months, with April 11 mentioned as one possible landing spot, though that isn't the extent of his ambitions.

"I've been told that my next fight will be a mandatory defense against Vargas," he said.

"I want to unify the belts. Of course, I understand that promotional situations can make things complicated, and it's not always smooth. If a unification doesn't happen, I would love to fight Japanese legend Kazuto Ioka."

His manager Yuta Ishihara has a lot of respect for what his fighter has achieved and what he believes can be built upon going forward.

"Seiya Tsutsumi's career is not something that was handed to him — it's something he has earned," said Ishihara.

"He has never taken shortcuts. He has consistently faced strong opponents on stages where his true ability was tested, and each time, he has grown from the experience.

"Now, you can see the intelligence in the way he manages a fight, and his emotional control under pressure. Clearing the Donaire fight elevated him even further — it pushed him to become an even stronger, more complete fighter."

Ishihara believes the 30-year-old is now entering his prime and will establish his own legacy.

"He's not just a fighter who chases titles — he wins in ways that earn respect," he said. "His mental strength is exceptional. That's why I believe he performs at his very best under the brightest lights.

"I believe he has the potential to become one of the few boxers who can give something meaningful to the audience — much like Arturo Gatti once did — and to become a name even more widely recognized around the world."