WBA Bantamweight champion Koki Kameda (31-1, 17) may be a man disliked by many and ignored by many more but he is widely regarded as a genuinely top tier Bantamweight and a fighter who has the ability to prove that, occasionally. This week however Koki looks to continue his typical career pattern of fighting C-grade challengers as he travels to Korea to fight Korea's very own Jung-Oh Son (20-4-2, 6).
Kameda, a talented, though somewhat over-rated fighter with a very high view of himself is solid. He's not amazing but he's skilled, has nice handspeed, good movement, decent stamina and whilst he lacks power he does tend to to be able to land crisp and clean shots. This set of traits has seen Kameda claiming world titles at Light Flyweight, Flyweight and Bantamweight to become the first, and so far only, 3-weight world champion from Japan.
Unfortunately for Koki his power will limit his potential to claim a world title at a weight higher though he certainly has the potential to move down to Super Flyweight in the future.
Despite Koki's lack of power at 118lbs he should have more than enough to defeat the light hitting Korean challenger who at best is limited.
Dubbed the "Hurricane" Son is a hard working fighter though unfortunately lacks the power to get the job done anywhere near this level.
Son may be able to give Koki some problem's early on with a quick start but by the midway point he'll be out worked, out hit and out classed as Koki takes over and dominates the mid and later rounds, possibly even dropping the out classed Son late in the bout.
Prediction-Koki UD12
Showing posts with label WBA Bantamweight. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WBA Bantamweight. Show all posts
Monday, 18 November 2013
Saturday, 10 August 2013
Anselmo Moreno v William Urina
It's been a while since we've seen Panamanian Anselmo Moreno (33-2-1, 12) in the ring, 9 months in fact, though this Saturday he returns to action and defends the WBA "super" title at Bantamweight as he faces Colombian challenger William Urina (24-2, 20).
The last time we saw Moreno in action he suffered his first career defeat in a over decade as the highly talented Abner Mares claimed a very impressive decision over him up at Super Bantamweight. It's shocking to actually say he's fighting at Bantamweight for the first time since stopping David De La Mora last April, some 16 or so months ago.
At Bantamweight many regard Moreno as the #1 guy, his loss at Super Bantamweight really doesn't effect that. In fact losing to Mares, who now holds a title at Featherweight, is no great shame at all.
Moreno's resume at Bantamweight is genuine exceptional. He holds wins over Volodymyr Sydorenko, twice, Rolly "Matsushita" Lunas, Mahyar Monshipour, Nehomar Cermeno, twice, Lorenzo Parra, Vic Darchinyan and De La Mora.
It's not just the resume that has made "Chemito" stand out in the eyes of the hardcore fans but also his style of fighting. He is one of the truly elite pure boxers. He's as slippery as they come, has an accurate jab, is an outstanding counter puncher and uses the ring as good as any fighter not named "Mayweather" or "Rigondeaux".
I'll admit I was shocked by the way Mares beat Moreno though in all honesty it says more about how good Mares is than how bad Moreno is. I honestly cannot see any fighter at 118 doing the same to Moreno as Mares did, and that's despite the fact I think Shinsuke Yamanaka is an exceptional fighter.
Colombian challenger Urina is 27 and surprisingly only around 6 months younger than the champion. Despite the relatively close age of the two men in terms of raw years, the challenger is easily the younger man in terms of ring years. Moreno has fought 36 bouts and a combined 268 rounds, including more than 10 world title bouts, Urina has fought just 26 bouts for a combined 108 rounds and has just 1 world title bout behind him.
It's the previous world title bout of Urina's that is by far the most interesting bout of his career. In that bout he went to Argentina and was widely out pointed by Omar Narvaez in a bout for the WBO Super Flyweight title.
Against Narvaez, Urina tried hard and had some success though was widely outclassed by the talented and oft-overlooked Argentinian. Despite the loss he had impressed some with his desire to win and he has improved on the back of that loss.
In terms of his style Urina is a bit of the "typical Colombian". Hits hard, especially against the C grade opponents, is some what limited and seems to have little success out of his homeland, he is 0-2 outside of Colombia.
To me this bout is much less about Moreno defending his title but actually looking good and Urina has been selected as an opponent because he is made to order for Moreno. He'll come forward all night, he'll throw plenty and he'll give Moreno a lot of chances to counter and make him look stupid. Sure Urina may take a round or two early as Moreno shakes off the ring rust but for the most part he'll be chasing shadows and getting hitting by sharp shots through out the 12 round contest.
Prediction-Moreno UD12
The last time we saw Moreno in action he suffered his first career defeat in a over decade as the highly talented Abner Mares claimed a very impressive decision over him up at Super Bantamweight. It's shocking to actually say he's fighting at Bantamweight for the first time since stopping David De La Mora last April, some 16 or so months ago.
At Bantamweight many regard Moreno as the #1 guy, his loss at Super Bantamweight really doesn't effect that. In fact losing to Mares, who now holds a title at Featherweight, is no great shame at all.
Moreno's resume at Bantamweight is genuine exceptional. He holds wins over Volodymyr Sydorenko, twice, Rolly "Matsushita" Lunas, Mahyar Monshipour, Nehomar Cermeno, twice, Lorenzo Parra, Vic Darchinyan and De La Mora.
It's not just the resume that has made "Chemito" stand out in the eyes of the hardcore fans but also his style of fighting. He is one of the truly elite pure boxers. He's as slippery as they come, has an accurate jab, is an outstanding counter puncher and uses the ring as good as any fighter not named "Mayweather" or "Rigondeaux".
I'll admit I was shocked by the way Mares beat Moreno though in all honesty it says more about how good Mares is than how bad Moreno is. I honestly cannot see any fighter at 118 doing the same to Moreno as Mares did, and that's despite the fact I think Shinsuke Yamanaka is an exceptional fighter.
Colombian challenger Urina is 27 and surprisingly only around 6 months younger than the champion. Despite the relatively close age of the two men in terms of raw years, the challenger is easily the younger man in terms of ring years. Moreno has fought 36 bouts and a combined 268 rounds, including more than 10 world title bouts, Urina has fought just 26 bouts for a combined 108 rounds and has just 1 world title bout behind him.
It's the previous world title bout of Urina's that is by far the most interesting bout of his career. In that bout he went to Argentina and was widely out pointed by Omar Narvaez in a bout for the WBO Super Flyweight title.
Against Narvaez, Urina tried hard and had some success though was widely outclassed by the talented and oft-overlooked Argentinian. Despite the loss he had impressed some with his desire to win and he has improved on the back of that loss.
In terms of his style Urina is a bit of the "typical Colombian". Hits hard, especially against the C grade opponents, is some what limited and seems to have little success out of his homeland, he is 0-2 outside of Colombia.
To me this bout is much less about Moreno defending his title but actually looking good and Urina has been selected as an opponent because he is made to order for Moreno. He'll come forward all night, he'll throw plenty and he'll give Moreno a lot of chances to counter and make him look stupid. Sure Urina may take a round or two early as Moreno shakes off the ring rust but for the most part he'll be chasing shadows and getting hitting by sharp shots through out the 12 round contest.
Prediction-Moreno UD12
Sunday, 21 July 2013
Koki Kameda v John Mark Apolinario
Japan's only 3-weight world champion Koki Kameda (30-1, 17) looks to make the 7th defense of the WBA Bantamweight title that he claimed back in December 2010. Kameda will be facing Filipino challenger John Mark Apolinario (17-2-3, 4) who is getting his third bite at a "world title" in as many fights.
Apolinario will be a recognisable name to those who have been visiting this site over the past year. He has twice faced, and drawn with, Roberto Vasquez in successive bouts for the WBA "interim" Bantamweight title.
Sadly for Apolinario the only bouts of any note on his record are those draws with Vasquez, unless you include his bout with Menard Zaragosa who left the ring to answer the call of nature, which lets be honest many felt he lost.
What the 23 year old Filipino does bring to the ring is toughness-having not been stopped since he was a 19 year old, heart and as always with Filipino's, the hunger to win. He may not have the greatest of power or even the greatest of skills but he's unwilling to be intimidated and will always try to be competitive despite his limitations.
In the champion, Koki, we have a man who widely splits opinion. To some he is the most interesting fighter in the East with his arrogance, loud mouth and general attitude. To others Koki is little more than a fortunate fighter who is comparable to some one like Sven Ottke, a paper champion who has been matched easily, kept at home and been given highly questionable decisions.
Whilst Kameda may be a 3-weigth world champion his reigns have never been that great. His first title, the WBA Light Flyweight title, was won on a highly controversial decision over Juan Jose Landaeta, his second title, the WBC Flyweight title, was lost on his first defense and his reign as WBA Bantamweight champion is one of the most controversial current reigns.
As the WBA Bantamweight champion Kameda has been fortunate to claim victories over David De La Mora, Hugo Ruiz and Panomroonglek Kaiyanghadaogym. That's half of his defense of the title.
Despite the controversy that is eternally linked with Kameda he is a genuinely talented fighter. Defensively he is sound, perhaps a little too much at times, he's offensively smart with quick hands a lovely straight left and whilst he doesn't have concussive power (at least not at 118) he's a clean puncher who does hurt when he lands.
Due to the lack of power of Apolinario I really can't see how he can upset Kameda. Kameda is more skilled, he's at home and he's actually "not that bad". Sure he's not genuine "world class" at Bantamweight (in fact he may only be the fourth best in Japan) and his title may be an alphabet one (due to Anselmo Moreno being the true WBA champion at the weight) but he's not a terrible fighter.
Kameda should certainly have more than enough in the locker to overcome Apolinario, in fact he should really in this at a canter. Although Apolinario is tough I can actually see Kameda wanting to put on a show late and force a stoppage especially given the poor performance against Kaiyanghadaogym, a performance that Kameda actually apologised for.
Prediction-Kameds TKO10
Apolinario will be a recognisable name to those who have been visiting this site over the past year. He has twice faced, and drawn with, Roberto Vasquez in successive bouts for the WBA "interim" Bantamweight title.
Sadly for Apolinario the only bouts of any note on his record are those draws with Vasquez, unless you include his bout with Menard Zaragosa who left the ring to answer the call of nature, which lets be honest many felt he lost.
What the 23 year old Filipino does bring to the ring is toughness-having not been stopped since he was a 19 year old, heart and as always with Filipino's, the hunger to win. He may not have the greatest of power or even the greatest of skills but he's unwilling to be intimidated and will always try to be competitive despite his limitations.
In the champion, Koki, we have a man who widely splits opinion. To some he is the most interesting fighter in the East with his arrogance, loud mouth and general attitude. To others Koki is little more than a fortunate fighter who is comparable to some one like Sven Ottke, a paper champion who has been matched easily, kept at home and been given highly questionable decisions.
Whilst Kameda may be a 3-weigth world champion his reigns have never been that great. His first title, the WBA Light Flyweight title, was won on a highly controversial decision over Juan Jose Landaeta, his second title, the WBC Flyweight title, was lost on his first defense and his reign as WBA Bantamweight champion is one of the most controversial current reigns.
As the WBA Bantamweight champion Kameda has been fortunate to claim victories over David De La Mora, Hugo Ruiz and Panomroonglek Kaiyanghadaogym. That's half of his defense of the title.
Despite the controversy that is eternally linked with Kameda he is a genuinely talented fighter. Defensively he is sound, perhaps a little too much at times, he's offensively smart with quick hands a lovely straight left and whilst he doesn't have concussive power (at least not at 118) he's a clean puncher who does hurt when he lands.
Due to the lack of power of Apolinario I really can't see how he can upset Kameda. Kameda is more skilled, he's at home and he's actually "not that bad". Sure he's not genuine "world class" at Bantamweight (in fact he may only be the fourth best in Japan) and his title may be an alphabet one (due to Anselmo Moreno being the true WBA champion at the weight) but he's not a terrible fighter.
Kameda should certainly have more than enough in the locker to overcome Apolinario, in fact he should really in this at a canter. Although Apolinario is tough I can actually see Kameda wanting to put on a show late and force a stoppage especially given the poor performance against Kaiyanghadaogym, a performance that Kameda actually apologised for.
Prediction-Kameds TKO10
Saturday, 6 April 2013
Koki Kameda v Panomroonglek Kaiyanghadaogym
WBA "regular" Bantamweight champion Koki Kameda (29-1, 17) will be looking for win #30 on Sunday as he defends his belt against little known Thai Panomroonglek Kaiyanghadaogym (36-1, 19) who is moving up from Super Flyweight for this bout.
The defending Japanese fighter, 26 is a 3-weight world champion having started his career at Light Flyweight (where he won the WBA title in 2006) and also having claimed the WBC Flyweight title (which he lost in 2010 to the legendary Pongsaklek Wonjongkam) before claiming his current status at Bantamweight. He has proven himself at world level repeatedly over the past 6 years though has often left fans with serious questions marks, especially in his current reign as a Bantamweight champion.
In terms of his style Kameda is a fast punching southpaw who like to fight in bursts and assert himself. When he can't force himself in to the bout Kameda has been shown to struggle and at Bantamweight this has become a regular occurrence with David De La Mora and Hugo Ruiz both arguably being robbed by him and the judges. In fact both of those two showed that Kameda isn't anything special at Bantamweight.
Despite his relative limitations Kameda is a huge draw in his native Japan and this has helped make a him a bit of a star on TV. It's this that has likely help extend his reign as champion especially in his debatable bouts which have seen the crowd making noise and probably helping him over the finishing line.
When it comes to the Thai challenger we really know very little. Like Kameda he's a southpaw though at 29 he's a bit older than the champion. Thankfully if we go through his record we do see some recognisable names including Rocky Fuentes (who Kaiyanghadaogym defeated on debut), Richard Garcia, Dondon Jimnea, Marvin Tampus and Ricky Manufoe. Of course bar Fuentes they are better known as journeymen in Asia.
Like Kameda, Kaiyanghadaogym has also suffered a single loss. Whilst Kameda's came to a top level fighter in Wonjongkam, Kaiyanghadaogym's came to former world title contender Hiroyuki Hisataka who oddly enough Kaiyanghadaogym had already beaten. Worryingly for Kaiyanghadaogym he was actually stopped by Histaka who only has "respectable" power despite his toughness.
Whilst I don't think much of Kameda as a Bantamweight (he's too small and lacks any genuine power at the weight) I feel it would be difficult to pick Kaiyanghadaogym here. Sure Kaiyanghadaogym may put up a spirited effort but with Kameda's recent "success" in close fights it's always going to be a case of a fighter needing to stop him to be sure of a victory and sadly Kaiyanghadaogym doesn't have that sort of power.
Prediction-Kameda UD
The defending Japanese fighter, 26 is a 3-weight world champion having started his career at Light Flyweight (where he won the WBA title in 2006) and also having claimed the WBC Flyweight title (which he lost in 2010 to the legendary Pongsaklek Wonjongkam) before claiming his current status at Bantamweight. He has proven himself at world level repeatedly over the past 6 years though has often left fans with serious questions marks, especially in his current reign as a Bantamweight champion.
In terms of his style Kameda is a fast punching southpaw who like to fight in bursts and assert himself. When he can't force himself in to the bout Kameda has been shown to struggle and at Bantamweight this has become a regular occurrence with David De La Mora and Hugo Ruiz both arguably being robbed by him and the judges. In fact both of those two showed that Kameda isn't anything special at Bantamweight.
Despite his relative limitations Kameda is a huge draw in his native Japan and this has helped make a him a bit of a star on TV. It's this that has likely help extend his reign as champion especially in his debatable bouts which have seen the crowd making noise and probably helping him over the finishing line.
When it comes to the Thai challenger we really know very little. Like Kameda he's a southpaw though at 29 he's a bit older than the champion. Thankfully if we go through his record we do see some recognisable names including Rocky Fuentes (who Kaiyanghadaogym defeated on debut), Richard Garcia, Dondon Jimnea, Marvin Tampus and Ricky Manufoe. Of course bar Fuentes they are better known as journeymen in Asia.
Like Kameda, Kaiyanghadaogym has also suffered a single loss. Whilst Kameda's came to a top level fighter in Wonjongkam, Kaiyanghadaogym's came to former world title contender Hiroyuki Hisataka who oddly enough Kaiyanghadaogym had already beaten. Worryingly for Kaiyanghadaogym he was actually stopped by Histaka who only has "respectable" power despite his toughness.
Whilst I don't think much of Kameda as a Bantamweight (he's too small and lacks any genuine power at the weight) I feel it would be difficult to pick Kaiyanghadaogym here. Sure Kaiyanghadaogym may put up a spirited effort but with Kameda's recent "success" in close fights it's always going to be a case of a fighter needing to stop him to be sure of a victory and sadly Kaiyanghadaogym doesn't have that sort of power.
Prediction-Kameda UD
Monday, 3 December 2012
Koki Kameda v Hugo Ruiz
In a rare mid-week world title fight, we see WBA Bantamweight champion Koki Kameda (28-1, 17) fighting the former WBA interim Bantamweight champion Hugo Ruiz (31-1, 28) on Tuesday at the wonderfully named Bodymaker Colosseum in Osaka. For Kameda this will be his 5th title defense at Bantamweight having also held titles at both Light Flyweight and Flyweight. For Ruiz however it's a chance to finally claim the full version of a world title after having been the inteirm champion for close to 2 years.
The 26 year old Japanese fighter is seen as one of Japans top boxers, and is infect their only ever 3-weight world champion. Despite this many in Japan dislike Koki due to the fact he's a bit, well, cocky and many liken him to Floyd Mayweather Jr in regards to the fact many want to see him lose. Despite the general dislike to Koki he is an attraction and can draw huge numbers on Japanese TV with similar numbers (in terms of%) to what the Klitschko's draw in Germany.
At a smidge over 5'5" Kameda and with a 66" reach Kameda was huge at Light Flyweight and it showed when he fought at the weight. Though at Bantamweight he's not often going to be the bigger man, in fact in all honesty he's probably around the average, though he will be dwarfed by the freakishly tall Ruiz (who's got a 3" height advantage). In the lower weights Kameda's size mattered and he scored 10 stoppages in his first 11 bouts. Since going up through the weights (and facing significantly better opponents) Kameda's stoppage rate has started to nose dive with just 7 stoppages in his last 18 bouts. Interestingly however Kameda has stopped 3 of his last 6, though they were lesser opponents.
In terms of his style Kameda is a fast handed fighter who can fight on on the back foot, though is much better on the front foot. Despite his ability to throw lovely flurries he's not got the hurtful power on them that may bother really genuine Bantamweights and in his most notable bout at the weight he was pushed all the way by Mexican David De La Mora (a bout Kameda won by very debated Unanimous Decision). Tellingly De La Mora was stopped 2 fights later by Anselmo Moreno and thoroughly out boxed by Kameda's countryman Ryosuke Iwasa. The fact Kameda struggled so much with De La Mora tells me, personally that this is a weight that Kameda can't use his physicality to bully the better fighters, and Ruiz is one of the better fighters in the division.
Despite the fact Kameda is unbeaten at Bantamweight and has only suffered one career set back, a decision loss to Thai great Pongsaklek Wonjongkam down at Flyweight, he's also been somewhat selective in his opponents. De La Mora aside the combined record of Kameda's Bantamweight title defenses was 69-19-1 with the last 2 opponents coming in at a rather poor 47-17-1 and the most recent opponent (Nouldy Manakane) has been out boxed by a debutant (Kenji Kubo) since then!
Whilst Kameda is lauded over by many, Mexican Hugo Ruiz (also 26) is often over-looked and seen as being well down the proverbial pecking order at 118lbs with Boxrec and Fightnews both having him ranked #10 (Kameda is #6 Boxrec, #8 Fightnews) whilst Ring give him a more respectable #8 ranking (with Kameda a lofty #5). Despite this Ruiz is a battle hardened fighter who can give almost everyone at 118lb real questions.
Ruiz turned professional almost 6 years ago to the day and after running off 9 straight opening round T/KO's he lost for the first (and only time in his career) as he was stopped by Enrique Quevedo. Since his loss, back in 2007, he has continued to develop whilst maintaining his ridiculous power and whilst he's a bit vulnerable, he's got genuine fight changing power.
Wile Ruiz hasn't yet faced a real genuine world level talent, like Kameda has (Kameda has faced Daisuke Naito and Pongsaklek Wonjongkam amongst others) he has been mowing through B class fighters for fun and has stopped fighters like Francisco Arce, Jean Sampson and Yonfrez Parejo in recent bouts. Despite this Arce did show up Ruiz's vulnerabilities and dropped Ruiz twice in their first encounter (before being stopped in their second).
With the sheer size, power and strength of Ruiz I'm favouring the Mexican here, even though it is his first fight out of his native Mexico. Kameda, who has never been stopped before, will be hit harder than he has ever been hit and I just see him folding when he realises that Ruiz's jab is like a straight from most other Bantamweights. For Kameda to retain he will have to get inside the reach of Ruiz and this is much easier said than done.
Prediction-Ruiz TKO7
The 26 year old Japanese fighter is seen as one of Japans top boxers, and is infect their only ever 3-weight world champion. Despite this many in Japan dislike Koki due to the fact he's a bit, well, cocky and many liken him to Floyd Mayweather Jr in regards to the fact many want to see him lose. Despite the general dislike to Koki he is an attraction and can draw huge numbers on Japanese TV with similar numbers (in terms of%) to what the Klitschko's draw in Germany.
At a smidge over 5'5" Kameda and with a 66" reach Kameda was huge at Light Flyweight and it showed when he fought at the weight. Though at Bantamweight he's not often going to be the bigger man, in fact in all honesty he's probably around the average, though he will be dwarfed by the freakishly tall Ruiz (who's got a 3" height advantage). In the lower weights Kameda's size mattered and he scored 10 stoppages in his first 11 bouts. Since going up through the weights (and facing significantly better opponents) Kameda's stoppage rate has started to nose dive with just 7 stoppages in his last 18 bouts. Interestingly however Kameda has stopped 3 of his last 6, though they were lesser opponents.
In terms of his style Kameda is a fast handed fighter who can fight on on the back foot, though is much better on the front foot. Despite his ability to throw lovely flurries he's not got the hurtful power on them that may bother really genuine Bantamweights and in his most notable bout at the weight he was pushed all the way by Mexican David De La Mora (a bout Kameda won by very debated Unanimous Decision). Tellingly De La Mora was stopped 2 fights later by Anselmo Moreno and thoroughly out boxed by Kameda's countryman Ryosuke Iwasa. The fact Kameda struggled so much with De La Mora tells me, personally that this is a weight that Kameda can't use his physicality to bully the better fighters, and Ruiz is one of the better fighters in the division.
Despite the fact Kameda is unbeaten at Bantamweight and has only suffered one career set back, a decision loss to Thai great Pongsaklek Wonjongkam down at Flyweight, he's also been somewhat selective in his opponents. De La Mora aside the combined record of Kameda's Bantamweight title defenses was 69-19-1 with the last 2 opponents coming in at a rather poor 47-17-1 and the most recent opponent (Nouldy Manakane) has been out boxed by a debutant (Kenji Kubo) since then!
Whilst Kameda is lauded over by many, Mexican Hugo Ruiz (also 26) is often over-looked and seen as being well down the proverbial pecking order at 118lbs with Boxrec and Fightnews both having him ranked #10 (Kameda is #6 Boxrec, #8 Fightnews) whilst Ring give him a more respectable #8 ranking (with Kameda a lofty #5). Despite this Ruiz is a battle hardened fighter who can give almost everyone at 118lb real questions.
Ruiz turned professional almost 6 years ago to the day and after running off 9 straight opening round T/KO's he lost for the first (and only time in his career) as he was stopped by Enrique Quevedo. Since his loss, back in 2007, he has continued to develop whilst maintaining his ridiculous power and whilst he's a bit vulnerable, he's got genuine fight changing power.
Wile Ruiz hasn't yet faced a real genuine world level talent, like Kameda has (Kameda has faced Daisuke Naito and Pongsaklek Wonjongkam amongst others) he has been mowing through B class fighters for fun and has stopped fighters like Francisco Arce, Jean Sampson and Yonfrez Parejo in recent bouts. Despite this Arce did show up Ruiz's vulnerabilities and dropped Ruiz twice in their first encounter (before being stopped in their second).
With the sheer size, power and strength of Ruiz I'm favouring the Mexican here, even though it is his first fight out of his native Mexico. Kameda, who has never been stopped before, will be hit harder than he has ever been hit and I just see him folding when he realises that Ruiz's jab is like a straight from most other Bantamweights. For Kameda to retain he will have to get inside the reach of Ruiz and this is much easier said than done.
Prediction-Ruiz TKO7
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