By Jake Donovan, photos by Rene Perez/Kameda Promotions
Daiki Kameda is in search of his sixth straight win, one that he hopes will lead to another title bid. The middle child of one of boxing’s most famous fighting families, Kameda welcomes the challenge of Mexico’s Aaron Bobadilla in a 10-round bantamweight bout Saturday evening in Nagoya, Japan.
Both fighters came in within the 118 lb. divisional limit. Kameda was slightly below at 117.5 lb, while Bobadilla was right at the 118 lb. mark.
Kameda (27-3, 17KO) has won five straight since a failed title bid against then 115 lb. tiltist Tepparith Kokietgym in Dec. ’11. A former flyweight titlist, Kameda now competes in the bantamweight división, where oldest brother Koki Kameda currently owns a major title.
It’s highly doubtful that the two will ever collide, though it’s clear that the 24-year old envisions a title fight in the very near future.
“This will be my final fight before I return to the world title stage,” Kameda states, eying a potential drop back down to super flyweight for his next title opportunity.
For his part, Bobadilla (9-2, 7KO) – who fights for Canelo Promotions - intends to do more than play the role of willing opponent.
“I am very pleased to receive this unexpected opportunity. It will be a very good fight. My team and I have prepared hard. I will leave it all in the ring. As my coach Rafael Guzman said, we are not here for the ride; we are here to win,” vowed the 22-year old Bobadilla, who fights outside of his native Mexico for the first time in his young career.
Kameda’s lone trip outside of Japan has taken place in Mexico. This bout, however, marks his first appearance in Nagoya, roughly two hours from his hometown of Osaka.
“I promise to deliver an exciting fight to the fans of Nagoya,” Kameda promised. “I am going to knockout my rival; he will not be able to deal with my right hand power.”
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
