By Jake Donovan
The eighth defense of Koki Kameda’s alphabet bantamweight title reign will also serve as his first title fight outside of his native Japan. The bout takes place on November 19 – two days after his 27th birthday as he faces Jong-Oh Son on the road – or actually on an island – in Jeju, South Korea.
Kameda (31-1, 17KO) has only fought twice before beyond Japan’s borders, with both bouts taking place in Mexico and in non-title capacity. The eldest of the history-making trio of fighting brothers is 11-1 in title fights at home in Japan, but fully prepared to showcase his talents in his opponent’s home country.
“This will be my first time fighting for the world championship in another country. I will knock out (Son) even if it’s in his home land,” Kameda promised during a press conference held at his family’s gym in Tokyo.
Included among Kameda’s early preparation for future time spent in Korea was his devouring kimchi, a popular Korean dish, during the press session.
The fight marks the first title fight for Son (20-4-2, 6KO), who is unbeaten in 14 straight contests dating back to 2006. The 32-year old challenger boasts no wins of note.
Kameda enters the fight on the heels of a dominant points win over John Mark Apolinario. The feat kicked off a historic stretch for his family; youngest brother Tomoki Kameda snatched a separate portion of the bantamweight belt nine days later, besting previously unbeaten Paulus Ambunda via unanimous decision in the Philippines.
The occasion marked the first time in boxing history three brothers held world titles at some point in their respective careers. One month later, the Kameda family added to that mark. Daiki Kameda became a two-time titleholder after topping Rodrigo Guerrero for a version of the 115 lb. crown in early September.
All three brothers now presently reign as major titlists, an accomplishment that will most likely never be duplicated.
Kameda’s optional title defense with Son comes on the condition that he will honor his “regular” title status in his next fight – should he beat Son - by facing “super” champion Anselmo Moreno.
While history suggests that fight will happen only if Moreno travels to Japan, the brash three-division titlist leaves the door open for more road trips to come.
“My brothers as well as my father Shiro want to (defend our titles) around the world, in countries such as Korea, Mexico, the United States and so on,” Kameda stated.
“Koki said "this time will be my first time that I fight for the World Championship in another country, I will knock my opponent even if it is within its territory, the Kameda brothers in conjunction with my father Shiro Kameda want to carry out duties in other countries such as Korea, Mexico USA, etc
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com, as well as a member of Transnational Boxing Ratings Board, Yahoo Boxing Ratings Panel and the Boxing Writers Association of America. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
