Why 'The Rock' must wary of Kameda

WINDHOEK-HECTOR MAWONGA When Paulus 'The Rock' Ambunda takes on Japan's Tomoki Kameda in the Philippines tomorrow, not only will the Namibian have to deal with an eight inch height disadvantage, but he'll also have to contend with his opponent's rich pedigree. Ambunda will be defending his WBO Bantamweight world title against Kameda, who has held numerous youth world titles in the same division. The Japanese-born boxer has an impressive record of 27 wins from 27 fights, while 18 of his victories came by way of knockout. In fact, the 22-year-old fighter has won only one fight on a split decision, as he was chosen as a unanimous winner in the others. His reputation is especially enhanced due to the fact that he trains in Mexico - a country that has long been considered a bastion of boxing, after producing many world class fighters. Interestingly, Kameda has actually fought more fights in the Latin American country (16), as opposed to his home country of Japan (11). Thus it is not entirely surprising that the Mexicans have given him the nickname 'El Mexicanito' (translated as 'Little Mexican') - a sign of their adoration. Tomoki's pedigree is further enhanced due to the fact that he comes from a boxing family, with two of his older brothers having held world titles at one time or the other. The 26-year-old Koki Kameda is a former WBA light flyweight world champion, while the 24-year-old Daiki Kameda is the reigning WBA flyweight world champion. It seems his brothers' success is spurring Tomoki on, as he is desperate to emulate them. “My father's biggest dream was for all three of us to become world champions... so come August 1, I will make his dream come true,” Tomoki was quoted as saying at a press conference at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu yesterday. But while Kameda boasts an impressive record, he has never fought an African - a fact that Ambunda will look to exploit. Calling himself the 'Boxing Lion of Africa', Ambunda is said to have been a picture of confidence when he met his opponent for the first time yesterday morning. “I am here to represent the pride of my country, Namibia, and that of my sponsor Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC). [I] am well prepared for this fight and I therefore look forward to finishing off Kameda,” he told a packed press conference. The official event is expected to start at 17:00 Cebu time (11:00 Namibian time), while the main fight is expected to start around 19:00 Cebu time (13:00 Namibian time).