The boxing world is abuzz with anticipation for the upcoming match between Japan’s Kameda Kyonosuke and Mexico's Luis Nery, set to take place on February 23, 2025, at the Auditorio Municipal in Tijuana, Mexico. This bout, contested at the 124-pound limit, serves as Nery's return to the ring following his last fight against Naoya Inuoe almost a year ago, and it carries significant weight—both literally and figuratively—given Nery's recent history with weight issues.
The weigh-in held on February 21, revealed early trouble for Nery, who initially came in 900 grams over the weight limit, sparking concerns about his preparation for the fight. Kameda, on the other hand, made weight easily, underscoring his readiness for the bout. Kameda's manager reported, "Kameda passed the limit on the first try, and Nery faced issues highlighting his past infractions with weight."
Nery's struggle at the scales was reminiscent of previous instances, including mishaps against former champions Yamanaka Shinsuke and Emmanuel Rodriguez, which have tainted his career. This time, Nery managed to shed the excess weight before the second weigh-in just one hour later, successfully making weight, albeit with noticeable concern from Kameda, who expressed his dismay during pre-fight interviews.
"He was over the weight limit. I'm not worried about it, to be honest. If he couldn't make it, I would have still taken the fight," claimed Kameda. "But, there are rules, and he should adhere to them. I expect him to be ready. I want to ‘boko boko’ him from the first round!" Kameda’s statement revealed not only his resolve but also the psychological play at work as he prepared for the fight against Nery, whom he described as having underestimated him with his lack of discipline.
This bout is more than just another match on paper; it is deeply layered with personal animosity. The war of words escalated dramatically when the fighters faced off during promotional events leading up to the fight. A press conference saw Nery throw punches, leading to chaos, but Kameda deftly avoided the strikes, showcasing his agility and quick thinking. "I saw the punches coming and managed to dodge them," he later recounted, hinting at his confidence to not only withstand Nery’s aggressive approach but also his readiness to counterattack.
Nery, known controversially for his past weight troubles, has faced significant backlash from fans and pundits alike. Despite his impressive record of 34 wins, including 26 by knockout, his reputation is clouded by instances of coming under the limit at weigh-ins, affecting his credibility and boxing standing. Boxing enthusiasts have cast doubts over his ability to maintain discipline, especially considering his previous failure to meet weight on multiple occasions.
The fight is being billed as a non-title match but carries the weight of significant bragging rights. Fans are eager to see Kameda, currently ranked 15th by the WBC, take on the experienced Nery, who once held the WBC Bantamweight title. Observers are primarily viewing Kameda as the underdog, with many betting odds favoring Nery at 1:4, emphasizing the uphill battle he faces.
Looking forward, strategies will play out under the harsh arena lights, and both fighters will need to adapt quickly to seize control. Kameda plans to utilize his footwork and speed to evade Nery's notorious power punches. Meanwhile, Nery, known for his ferocious hitting ability and at times reckless aggression, will undoubtedly aim to capitalize on his fighting style. "I expect to push forward and land my shots," Nery’s camp hinted, showing faith in his capabilities to overwhelm Kameda early.
With the stakes high and tensions brewing, all eyes will be on the live stream broadcast on Japanese net TV platform ABEMA, free of charge, allowing audiences both local and international to witness this fierce matchup. Scheduled to start at approximately 14:00 JST on February 23, fans should prepare for what promises to be not just a battle of skill but one of wills.
The undercard features several exciting bouts, building anticipation for what many hope will be the highlight event of the year. Alongside the main fight, fans will see other rising fighters poised to make their mark on the boxing world, making it a day to be remembered for boxing enthusiasts.