Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa previews Tomoki Kameda world title defence

Figueroa: “If you saw me go up against all odds in Liverpool, you can imagine what I’m gonna do to defend my belt in Las Vegas!”

Fresh off a championship-winning performance in his opponent’s hometown, WBA Featherweight World Champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa plans to deliver a sensational follow-up when he takes on former champion Tomoki Kameda in the co-main event of “The Fight” live on TNT and DAZN on Saturday, October 17 from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

“If you saw me go up against all odds in Liverpool, you can imagine what I’m gonna do to defend my belt in Las Vegas,” said Figueroa (27-2-1, 20 KOs). “I’m coming with everything on October 17. I’m here to stay. I want to unify and fight the best. There’s no style like mine. Tune in, you will be entertained.”

Already a two-division world champion, Figueroa captured his WBA crown by going overseas to dethrone Nick Ball in a high-octane clash that saw the Weslaco, Texas native close the show in style with an emphatic stoppage in the final round. Heading into the fight, Figueroa was buoyed by his underdog status as tabbed by the boxing public ahead of the February clash.

“For the Ball fight I was really motivated by the fact that he hadn’t fought anyone like me,” said Figueroa. “I showcased that in February. I already knew those fans were gonna be in for a surprise. I’m no pushover and I’m not someone that you’re gonna look good against. I’m gonna make it a tough fight and I’m gonna be in your face the whole night.”

On top of that added motivation, Figueroa was aided by his renowned trainer Manny Robles, who in just their second fight together helped bring out a new side of Figueroa’s skill set that led him to one of the best victories of his career.

“Manny just made sure I was being smart,” said Figueroa. “Previously I was just going out there and showcasing my will. With Manny he would tell me that he knows I have heart, but it’s time to use your intelligence. He always says that I can box. He made me believe in my boxing skills more. I’ve benefited a lot from him. We have great chemistry together and with his whole team. We’re a unit and we’re gonna keep showcasing that.

“Manny’s guidance, intelligence and experience has been vital to me. He’s an old-school coach and I just keep learning from him every day. He’s very strategic and he trains me accordingly. I’m just like a sponge learning anything I can from him.”

On October 17, Figueroa will be facing an opponent with whom he’s crossed paths with before, as Kameda engaged in the first of two memorable battles against Jamie McDonnell on May 9, 2015 in Texas on the same card that featured Figueroa winning in his pro debut. Still fighting at the top of the sport, having recently lost a competitive decision to IBF Featherweight World Champion Angelo, Figueroa knows he’ll have to combat Kameda’s considerable experience to emerge victorious.

“Kameda is a veteran fighter, and a gritty fighter,” said Figueroa. “He’s got a lot of fights under his belt. He’s got years of experience over me, so we don’t take anything away from him. We’ve been watching his fights and breaking down what he does. I feel like they’re gonna try to box me and emulate what Stephen Fulton Jr. did against me. He’ll be prepared 100%, but I have to go out there and do my job and defend my belt.”

Although he emphasized that his focus remains fully on Kameda, Figueroa knows that matchups against the 126-pound division’s fellow champions are squarely in his grasp with a victory on October 17. When comparing himself to those fellow champions, Figueroa believes that his own experience over the last decade give him a chance to emerge as the clear king of the featherweight division.

“Whoever is lined up for me, Manny and I will go to the drawing board and get ourselves ready,” said Figueroa. “I obviously want the best of the best. If I have the opportunity to fight everyone and unify, it would be an honor. I feel like I have the most experience out of all the champions, with Angelo Leo right under me. I think my resume and the fighters that I’ve fought speaks for itself.”