HOUSTON, TEXAS – JUNE 18: Angelo Leo stands alongside Aaron Alameda during their weigh in ahead of … More
Angelo Leo successfully defended his IBF featherweight championship with a majority decision victory (116-112, 115-113, and 114-114) over Tomoki Kameda in Osaka, Japan.
Kameda, an Osaka native, put up a strong effort. The challenger displayed fast hands, earning the champion’s respect in the midst of several spirited exchanges.
However, while most of the rounds were hard-fought, competitive, and tough frames to score, I scored the fight for Leo.
The champion did a great job establishing his jab, and he seemed to have better cardio in the championship rounds. The burst through the 11th and 12th rounds appeared to be the difference on one scorecard, and it likely pushed one judge to a draw.
Here is a look at my scorecard.
Leo vs. Kameda – Scorecard
R1: 10-9 | R2: 10-9 | R3: 10-9 | R4: 10-9 | R5: 9-10 | R6: 9-10 | R7: 10-9 | R8: 10-9 | R9: 9-10 | R10: 9-10 | R11: 10-9 | R12: 10-9
Final Score: Leo 116 – Kameda 112
Leo told the fans in Osaka that he was looking forward to fighting in Japan again later in his career. That fight could happen against Japanese legend and pound-for-pound contender Naoya Inoue.
There has been talk of Inoue moving up to featherweight, and Leo has been mentioned as a potential opponent. Leo is co-promoted by ProBox TV and Top Rank. Inoue has a deal with the latter, so it should be an easy fight to make from a business standpoint.
Leo performing in Japan would only help him establish a larger footprint in Inoue’s home country. Keep an eye on a potential development through the rest of 2025, but more likely in 2026, if both champions continue to win.
Shifting gears a bit, there was a troubling scene in the ring following the co-main event.
After a hard-fought battle with Pedro Taduran, Ginjiro Shigeoka appeared to collapse in his corner and was stretchered out of the arena.
Taduran retained his title via split decision, but immediately after the fight, attention and concerns shifted to Shigeoka’s well-being.
As of 6 am ET, there were no reports on Shigeoka’s condition. Best wishes go out to him and his family as I hope he makes a complete recovery from any injuries he suffered in the loss to Taduran.
