The American Brandon Figueroa, too heavy, lost his WBA featherweight title at the weigh-in on Friday on the eve of the fight against the Japanese Tomoki Kameda in Las Vegas, organizers announced.
However, the fight will take place on Saturday as planned: if Kameda wins he will take the belt, if Figueroa wins, the title will remain vacant.
At the weigh-in, the 29-year-old American exceeded the allowable 126 pounds (57.1 kg) by 1.4 pounds. He had held the WBA featherweight belt since his victory against Briton Nick Ball in February and was due to defend it for the first time on Saturday in Las Vegas.
“It’s a lack of respect,” Kameda commented. I too suffered to prepare. I did what I had to do. I’m ready (for the fight). It’s been 18 months since I last fought and I’m ready. My strategy remains the same, I’m going for the title.”
