On Saturday, October 17th at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Brandon Figueroa (pictured) will defend his WBA featherweight championship against Tomoki Kameda, who reigned as the WBO bantamweight champion from 2013-2014. Figueroa-Kameda takes place in support of Sebastian Fundora's 154-pound title defens against Ermal Hadribeaj on the fourth installment of the live monthly boxing series “The Fight”, broadcast co-exclusively in the U.S. on TNT, truTV and DAZN. Here is what Figueroa, a two-division champion and Kameda had to say to the press last week:
BRANDON FIGUEROA
“I came out here to L.A. for a reason. I wanted to make sure that winning is inevitable. I worked my butt off and I’m gonna keep doing so. I love boxing because you can always reinvent yourself and come out stronger. On October 17 I’m going to demonstrate why I’m the best 126-pounder in the world.
“I’ve been training here in L.A. for three months now and I’m ready to defend my title on October 17. I can’t wait to get back in the ring and showcase my skills again.
“I always come to fight. I prepare myself 110% and always give my all in the ring. Now with Manny Robles guiding me and honing my skills I’ve shown that I can keep improving with every fight. That’s what I want to keep on doing.
“Come October 17 I’m gonna stamp why I’m the best 126-pounder in the world. I’m ready to fight whoever. I want to fight the best. It’s not just about the belts, it’s about fighting the big names. That’s most important to me.
“Japanese and Mexican fighters always make a great fight. They’re going to try to implement their strategy, but I’ve seen it all. I feel like I’m a young veteran in this sport. I’m excited to get in there and mix it up.
“I’m preparing myself like I’m fighting Nick Ball again. Whether I’m the challenger or not, I’m coming with everything. I know fight fans are gonna fall in love with my style again and again, because I’m never in a boring fight.
“Manny Robles has a lot of experience and I learn from him and his team every day. After the loss to Fulton I said that I wanted to make some changes. I want to be one of the best fighters on the planet. I feel like Manny and I are just getting started.”
TOMOKI KAMEDA
“I’m really happy here training in Mexico. We’re going to be ready to roll and give fans a great fight on October 17th.
“My experience speaks for itself. I have a lot of experience and October 17th is going to be no different than what I’ve shown throughout my career. I’m stepping into the ring to become world champion once again.
“The Kameda family has a long and storied history in boxing [his brothers Kiki and Daiki are former champions]. Now it’s about expanding that legacy and winning another world title. That’s what’s motivated me and has me ready to go on October 17th.
“I was initially training in Japan and then we came to Mexico six weeks ago. We’ll head to Las Vegas a week before the fight and be ready to go on October 17th. I can’t wait to get in the ring.
“My last fight was very close and very tight for sure [a majority decision loss to IBF featherweight champion Angelo Leo]. But right now I just want to turn the page and focus on October 17th. I have a great opportunity in front of me to become world champion again.”
