Brandon Figueroa credits trainer Manny Robles ahead of Kameda title defence

On October 17 at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Brandon Figueroa defends his WBA Featherweight title against former champion Tomoki Kameda. The entire card is promoted by Premier Boxing Champions and will be the latest instalment of “The Fight”, live on TNT and DAZN. Ahead of this co-main event bout, Figueroa has praised the influence of his trainer Manny Robles, while looking ahead to the challenge of Kameda.

Brandon Figueroa set to defend title against Tomoki Kameda

Figueroa (27-2-1, 20 KOs) has suffered just two defeats in his career, both against Stephen Fulton. Aside from those setbacks, “The Heartbreaker” has recorded impressive wins over Luis Nery and Mark Magsayo. Last time out, in only his second fight with trainer Manny Robles, Figueroa delivered a career-best performance, going over to Liverpool and stopping Nick Ball.

Kameda (42-5, 23 KOs) has mixed at a high level, but often comes unstuck against the better opposition, such as against Angelo Leo and Rey Vargas. The Japanese fighter brings a wealth of experience, and will be looking to outsmart the younger champion.

Brandon Figueroa reveals impact of Manny Robles

Discussing the impact of Manny Robles, while looking forward to October 17:

“Manny just made sure I was being smart,” said Figueroa. “Previously I was just going out there and showcasing my will. With Manny he would tell me that he knows I have heart, but it’s time to use your intelligence. He always says that I can box. He made me believe in my boxing skills more. I’ve benefited a lot from him. We have great chemistry together and with his whole team. We’re a unit and we’re gonna keep showcasing that.

“Manny’s guidance, intelligence and experience has been vital to me. He’s an old-school coach and I just keep learning from him every day. He’s very strategic and he trains me accordingly. I’m just like a sponge learning anything I can from him.”

“If you saw me go up against all odds in Liverpool, you can imagine what I’m gonna do to defend my belt in Las Vegas,” said Figueroa. “I’m coming with everything on October 17. I’m here to stay. I want to unify and fight the best. There’s no style like mine. Tune in, you will be entertained.”

Brandon Figueroa Looks to the future

Making it clear he is not looking past Kameda, “The Heartbreaker” said: “Kameda is a veteran fighter, and a gritty fighter.”

“He’s got a lot of fights under his belt. He’s got years of experience over me, so we don’t take anything away from him. We’ve been watching his fights and breaking down what he does. I feel like they’re gonna try to box me and emulate what Stephen Fulton Jr. did against me. He’ll be prepared 100%, but I have to go out there and do my job and defend my belt.”

Despite being focused on October 17, Figueroa once again made it clear he is eager for unification bouts:

“Whoever is lined up for me, Manny and I will go to the drawing board and get ourselves ready,” said Figueroa. “I obviously want the best of the best. If I have the opportunity to fight everyone and unify, it would be an honor. I feel like I have the most experience out of all the champions, with Angelo Leo right under me. I think my resume and the fighters that I’ve fought speaks for itself.”

*All quotes are taken from a PBC press release

The Big Fight Weekend verdict

Figueroa was in brilliant form against Ball, and it’s difficult to not see him winning on October 17. Kameda is an accomplished counterpuncher. He’s solid defensively, while carrying pop in his punches.

Figueroa looked lethargic against Joet Gonzalez, but against Ball, “The Heartbreaker” was back to his best, walking Ball down and mixing his punches impressively, ultimately wearing the Liverpudlian down.

We are backing Figueroa’s workrate to just be too much for the Japanese fighter, whose experience will make sure he hears the final bell. We are backing the American to win by unanimous decision.

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Featured Image Credit:

Ryan Hafey/
Premier Boxing Champions