Tomoki Kameda avenges his loss to Lerato Dlamini in dominant fashion

The victim of his own lethargy last time around, Tomoki Kameda left nothing to chance today (August 24) in his rematch with Lerato Dlamini, dominating the South African from the outset before getting the verdict from two of three ringside judges (scores: 116-111, 114-113, 113-114) and taking a split decision.

Featherweights Kameda and Dlamini met for the first time back in October 2023 and on that occasion Dlamini got the better of things, winning a split decision after 12 rounds. This time, however, in Osaka, the entire pattern of the fight was different. This time Kameda, knowing he had to raise his game, came out the blocks fast and refused to give Dlamini any opportunities either to land punches or even gain confidence and momentum.

As a result, Kameda dominated proceedings, beating Dlamini up round after round and dropping him in the fifth, a round Dlamini was lucky to see to its conclusion. It seemed at that point as though the writing was on the wall for the visitor and indeed it was only his heart and courage, demonstrated in fight one but even more so in the return, that allowed him to continue and see the fight through to the final bell.

By that stage, of course, the judges’ scores were deemed largely academic. Everybody, including Dlamini, knew in what direction the victory was going to go, and only Bob Williams, one of the three judges, somehow saw a different fight (electing to score it for Dlamini 114-113).

With this victory Kameda, now 33, boosts his pro record to 42-4 (23), and should be next in line for a shot at IBF featherweight champion Angelo Leo. Dlamini, meanwhile, falls to 20-3 (11).