Kameda 118, Manakane 116.2 for WBA Bantamweight Title in Yokohama (Photos)
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 04 Apr 2012
Filipino ring official Silvester Abainza to sit as one of the Judges
TOKYO, Japan - Japanese Koki Kameda, the defending WBA regular bantamweight world champion weighed-in 118 lbs (53.5Kgs), while challenger Noldi Manakane of Indonesia tipped the scales at 116.2 lbs (52.7Kgs) ahead of their title clash tonight (April 4) in Yokohama, Japan, and one of the judges is experienced Pinoy judge Silvester Abainza.
The other neutral officials named by the WBA are: referee Raul Caiz Jr. of California, judges Michael Lee of Korea, Ferlin Marsh of New Zealand and supervisor Alan Kim of Korea.
For the popular Koki Kameda, the fight will the fourth defense of his WBA regular bantamweight title and, should he win, there are big plans for the young world champion.
At only 25 years of age, the Japanese star is a 3-division world champion, having won world titles at light flyweight, flyweight and bantamweight divisions. Koki's sole defeat was a controversial lost by points to former champion Pongsaklek Wongjongkam of Thailand.
Kameda (L) and Manakane (R) pose with WBA supervisor Alan Kim of Korea during Tuesday's weighin.
Koki Kameda flexes his muscles after the weighin.
L-R: Ring officials Silvester Abainza, Raul Caiz, Jr. and Alan Kim.
Photos by Carlos Costa.
Cebuano star AJ Banal is rated as Koki Kameda's #5 challenger in the WBA bantamweight division where Mexican Hugo "Cuatito" Ruiz as the interim champion and Panama's Anselmo "Chemito" Moreno, who defeated Vic Darchinyan, is WBA's bantamweight super champion.
Meanwhile, Koki Kameda's challenger, 28-year-old Noldi Manakane (24-10-1, 15KOs), will have his hands full against the talented fast and furious Kameda. Manakane was knocked out in four rounds by AJ Banal in 2009 in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
A PINOY IS FEATURED IN ONE OF THE UNDERCARDS
Koki's brother, Daiki Kameda (22-3, 14KOs), will fight in the undercard against Thailander Pompetch Twinsgym (15-3, 4KOs).
Also, in the opening bout of the Yokohama card due to start at 4:20PM (Japan Time), undefeated 21 year-old Filipino Norj Guro (5-0, 4KOs) of Lanao del Norte, in his first fight out of the Philippines, will get in the dangerous line of fire against heavy-handed japanese Riyo Togo (6-2, 6KOs).
In the co-main event, WBA super flyweight world champion Tepparith Kokietgym will battle WBA champion in recess Japan's Tomonobu Shimizu in a WBA super flyweight tile unification.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Wild, Wild Western Conference
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 28 Mar 2024Press Conference Notes: Oscar Valdez-Liam Wilson & Seniesa Estrada-Yokasta Valle Doubleheader Set for Friday
Thu, 28 Mar 2024WEIGHTS FROM BIG TIME BOXING USA IN DETROIT
Thu, 28 Mar 2024Undefeated Super Featherweight Contender Andres Cortes to Attend Oscar Valdez vs. Liam Wilson Fight Eyes Potential Showdown with Winner
Thu, 28 Mar 2024PACE to host FIDE chess tilt this weekend
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 28 Mar 2024Preserving a Legacy: The Birth of the Philippine Boxing Historical Society
By Dong Secuya, Thu, 28 Mar 2024Garcia vs Haney: Boxing Match or A Live Mental Break Down?
By Ralph Rimpell, Thu, 28 Mar 2024Christian Mbilli-Mark Heffron Super Middleweight Main Event & Arslanbek Makhmudov-Junior Fa Heavyweight Battle Set for May 25 at Gervais Auto Center in Shawinigan, Canada
Thu, 28 Mar 2024MATÍAS MAKES HOMECOMING DEFENSE AGAINST PARO ON JUNE 15
Thu, 28 Mar 2024‘ROCKY’ HERNANDEZ RETURNS AGAINST LUGO IN MEXICO ON MAY 11
Thu, 28 Mar 2024PCAP: Cavite eyeing to bounce back
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 28 Mar 2024HALL OF FAMER ANN WOLFE TO ATTEND 2024 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND
Thu, 28 Mar 2024Gathering of champions
By Joaquin Henson, Wed, 27 Mar 2024Filipinos AJ Paciones and Ador Torres Make Weight for Title Fights in Highland Boxing Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 27 Mar 2024Visiting Teams All Won vs Hosts; Boston Finally Loses
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 27 Mar 2024