Brandon Figueroa will defend his WBA featherweight title against Tomoki Kameda on October 17 at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. The bout will take place as the co-main event on a Premier Boxing Champions card headlined by Sebastian Fundora versus Ermal Hadribeaj, broadcast live on TNT Sports and DAZN Boxing.
Figueroa, known as “The Heartbreaker,” claimed the WBA World Featherweight title by knocking out Nick Ball in Liverpool this past February. That victory came on Ball’s home turf in England, where Figueroa scored two knockdowns in the 12th round to secure a knockout win. Before the stoppage, Figueroa was behind on two judges’ scorecards, making the knockdowns decisive. It was the first loss of Ball’s career and his first time being knocked down.
The Welasco, Texas native’s upcoming defense moves the action closer to his home state, contrasting with his earlier gamble of fighting abroad. “If you saw me go up against all odds in Liverpool, you can imagine what I’m gonna do to defend my belt in Las Vegas,” Figueroa said. “I’m coming with everything on October 17. I’m here to stay. I want to unify and fight the best. There’s no style like mine. Tune in, you will be entertained.”
Figueroa’s preparation has involved working with trainer Manny Robles from Los Angeles. Their collaboration began only recently, but Figueroa credits Robles with refining his approach. “Manny just made sure I was being smart,” he said. “Previously I was just going out there and showcasing my will. With Manny, he would tell me that he knows I have heart, but it’s time to use your intelligence. He always says that I can box. He made me believe in my boxing skills more.”
Robles’ old-school coaching style has helped Figueroa become more strategic in the ring. “Manny’s guidance, intelligence, and experience have been vital to me,” Figueroa added. “We have great chemistry together and with his whole team. We’re a unit, and we’re gonna keep showcasing that.”
Figueroa faces a former world champion in Kameda, who hails from Osaka, Japan. At 35 years old, Kameda has a record of 42 wins and 5 losses, with 23 knockouts. Though he recently lost a close decision to IBF World Featherweight champion Angelo Leo, Kameda remains determined to capture a featherweight title before retiring. The Japanese fighter is nicknamed “El Mexicanito” for his aggressive Mexican-style offense.
Figueroa acknowledges Kameda’s experience and grit. “Kameda is a veteran fighter, and a gritty fighter,” he said. “He’s got a lot of fights under his belt. He’s got years of experience over me, so we don’t take anything away from him.” The champion anticipates Kameda’s camp will try to emulate the style of Stephen Fulton Jr., who boxed Figueroa effectively in a previous bout. “He’ll be prepared 100%, but I have to go out there and do my job and defend my belt.”
The two have crossed paths before, albeit indirectly. Figueroa made his professional debut on the same card featuring Kameda in 2015 in Texas. Since then, Figueroa has become a two-division world champion, while Kameda aims to add a featherweight world title to his resume.
Figueroa views the fight as a stepping stone toward potential unification bouts against other featherweight champions. “Whoever is lined up for me, Manny and I will go to the drawing board and get ourselves ready,” he said. “I obviously want the best of the best. If I have the opportunity to fight everyone and unify, it would be an honor.”
The October 17 fight will be Figueroa’s first defense of the WBA featherweight title since his knockout of Nick Ball. It will also be broadcast to a wider audience through the new “The Fight” series on TNT Sports—the only regular boxing series airing on linear television—alongside streaming on DAZN Boxing. Fans in Texas and beyond will have the chance to watch Figueroa’s defense closer to home after his victorious trip to England earlier this year.
According to Yahoo Sports.