What To Know
-
WBA World Featherweight champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa will defend his title against former champion Tomoki Kameda of Japan in the co-main event on Saturday, October 17 at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
Brandon Figueroa lived up to his moniker “The Heartbreaker” when he took the WBA World Featherweight title from Nick Ball in front of his hometown fans in Liverpool, England in February with a knockout win.
Advertisement
Now Figueroa of Welasco, Texas (27-2-1, 20 KOs) plans to deliver a successful first title defense against former champion Tomoki Kameda of Osaka, Japan (42-5, 23 KOs) on Saturday, October 17 at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
The co-main event puts Figueroa in front of a wider audience, airing as part of the new series “The Fight” on TNT Sports, the only regular series airing on linear television. It also airs on DAZN Boxing. It also puts the fight much closer to his Texas fans in Las Vegas than in Liverpool.
But Figueroa took the gamble by going to the champion’s country, and the bet paid off in a spectacular performance with two knockdowns in the 12th round giving Figueroa the win.
Brandon Figueroa took out Nick Ball with punches he didn’t see coming. Photo: Leigh Dawney, Queensberry
It was the first loss of Ball’s career, and the first two knockdowns of his career and knockout loss. At the time, Figueroa led on one card but trailed 106-103 on the other two. Without both knockdowns, Figueroa would have at best earned a draw. A single knockdown would have been a majority decision for Ball.
Advertisement
“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,” said Figueroa. “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.”
Brandon Figueroa: “I’m Going To Make It Tough”
Already a two-division world champion, Figueroa fully embraced his underdog status, allowing it to motivate him to prove everyone wrong.
“For the Ball fight I was really motivated by the fact that he hadn’t fought anyone like me,” said Figueroa. “I showcased that in February. I already knew those fans were gonna be in for a surprise. I’m no pushover, and I’m not someone that you’re gonna look good against. I’m gonna make it a tough fight, and I’m gonna be in your face the whole night.”
Advertisement
Manny Robles Makes Magic With Figueroa
Winning team: Brandon Figueroa prepares for his first title defense on Oct. 17 with trainer Manny Robles in Los Angeles. Photo: Ryan Hafey, Premier Boxing Champions
Figueroa had the support of renowned trainer Manny Robles of Los Angeles. It was just their second fight working together. Figueroa credits Robles with bringing out a new side of his skill set that led to one of the best victories of his career.
“Manny just made sure I was being smart,” said Figueroa. “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. I’ve benefited a lot from him. We have great chemistry together and with his whole team. We’re a unit, and we’re gonna keep showcasing that.
Advertisement
“Manny’s guidance, intelligence, and experience have been vital to me. He’s an old-school coach, and I just keep learning from him every day. He’s very strategic and he trains me accordingly. I’m just like a sponge, learning anything I can from him.”
Preparing for Tomoki Kameda on Oct. 17
On October 17, Figueroa will be facing an opponent he’s crossed paths with before. Figueroa made his pro debut on the card featuring Kameda in the first of two memorable battles against Jamie McDonnell on May 9, 2015 in Texas.
Now age 35, Tomoki Kameda vows he will earn a featherweight world title before he retires. Photo: Lucas Noonan, Premier Boxing Champions
Although Kameda recently lost a competitive decision to IBF World Featherweight champion Angelo Leo, Figueroa knows he’ll have to combat Kameda’s considerable experience to emerge victorious.
Advertisement
“Kameda is a veteran fighter, and a gritty fighter,” said Figueroa. “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. We’ve been watching his fights and breaking down what he does. I feel like they’re gonna try to box me and emulate what Stephen Fulton Jr. did against me. He’ll be prepared 100%, but I have to go out there and do my job and defend my belt.”
Kameda, now 35, vows he will stick around until he wins a featherweight title and becomes a three-division world champion. He is nicknamed “El Mexicanito” for his offense-minded Mexican-style boxing.
Figueroa understands matchups against the featherweight division’s fellow champions are within reach with a victory over Kameda. Figueroa believes that his own experience over the last decade give him a chance to emerge as the king of the featherweight division.
“Whoever is lined up for me, Manny and I will go to the drawing board and get ourselves ready,” said Figueroa. “I obviously want the best of the best. If I have the opportunity to fight everyone and unify, it would be an honor.
Advertisement
I feel like I have the most experience out of all the champions, with Angelo Leo right under me. I think my resume and the fighters that I’ve fought speaks for itself.”
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
