Photo by Esther Lin
Tomoki Kameda is a Japanese fighter rated in the Bantamweight and Super Bantamweight divisions. Kameda carries an unblemished record of 31-0, 19 KOs, and this Saturday he puts his perfect record on the line along with his WBO Bantamweight title against Jamie McDonnell (25-2-1, 12 KOs) as part of the co-main event alongside Omar Figueroa vs. Ricky Burns on Premier Boxing Champions on CBS.
Kameda has an interesting background and story, having been born in Osaka, Japan where alongside his two older brothers Kōki Kameda and Daiki Kameda, grew to become three of the biggest boxing stars to ever hail from Japan.
At a young age, Tomoki knew he wanted to be a boxer, but wanted to stand out and try something a little different than his siblings. This led him to move across the globe and land in a country known for some of the toughest fighters in the world… Mexico.
Kameda has since learned the Spanish language fluently and won over fans with his aggressive style of fighting known to be a trademark of most Mexican boxers. I caught up with the fighter, who is now dubbed “Mexicanito,” to speak about his upcoming bout as well as his upbringing both in Japan and in Mexico.
Round By Round Boxing: Tomoki, what was it that made you pursue a career in boxing and how did it all start?
Tomoki Kameda: Well, I started with Karate when I was about five years old and that is around the time when I also began to box under the training of my father. My father has trained both my brothers and myself and we have all been lucky enough to become world champions at some point in our careers.
RBRBoxing: How does it feel to be part of a family of champions and be recognized everywhere you go in Japan?
TK: Well, I am very proud to have been able to become a world champion and I am very proud of my brothers as well. We all call each other champ and all three of us becoming champions at the same time put us in the record books so that is definitely something that means a lot to me.
RBRBoxing: So, what made you want to train in Mexico?
TK: Well, it was actually my father who suggested that I try to learn a different style of boxing. I wanted to be different than my brothers and also go where there would be a lot of competition for me, so my father said I should move to Mexico and try and learn some things from the Mexican style of boxing.
RBRBoxing: Well, clearly it was the right move for you as you’ve made a name for yourself in Mexico, so much so, that you have been given the name “El Mexicanito.”
TK: [Laughs] Yes! I love Mexico and I have grown accustomed to many things here. When I first came here I didn’t speak a word of Spanish, I didn’t know anyone, or anything about the country outside of boxing. Nowadays, I’m fluent in Spanish, I understand the culture and I love the food!
RBRBoxing: Well, your Spanish is definitely impressive. Moving forward to this Friday, you’re facing Jamie McDonnell in the co-main event in Hidalgo, TX. What do you expect of him?
TK: He is a two-time champion and he’s a good technical fighter and he’s going to come on strong. He throws punches just as well as he defends them, but we are very well prepared. At the same time he does have two losses on his record and I am still undefeated. I know I have the right game plan and I will come out on top.
RBRBoxing: I know you don’t want to overlook your current opponent, but I did want to ask if you had any aspirations to fight at 122 pounds to face the likes of Guillermo Rigondeaux, Leo Santa Cruz or Carl Frampton?
TK: Yes, I have always strived to be one of the best fighters in my division. Obviously, I am not looking past Jamie at the moment and he is my main focus, but one day I would love to fight any of those guys. 118 pounds has been difficult to make as of late so I am considering moving up and would love a shot at Santa Cruz. I know I can beat him. I’m the type of fighter that will fight whenever, wherever and against whomever.
RBRBoxing: Do you have a prediction for your fight this Saturday?
TK: I don’t have a prediction. My plan is to make an exciting fight and give fans something they will enjoy and come out with a victory.
RBRBoxing: My last two questions for you Tomoki, what is your favorite thing to eat in Mexico? And lastly, Japanese women or Mexican women?
TK: [Laughs] I really enjoy the enchiladas at just about every restaurant as well as tacos. I like both Japanese and Mexican women, but as of right now I’d go with a Mexican woman [laughs].
RBRBoxing: [Laughs] Well we really appreciate you taking time away from training to grant us an interview and on behalf of Round By Round Boxing we wish you good luck this Saturday!
TK: On the contrary, thank you!
