Figueroa Stripped of WBA Featherweight Title After Failing to Make Weight

Brandon Figueroa was stripped of his WBA featherweight championship after failing to make weight for his title defense against Tomoki Kameda. Figueroa weighed 127.4 pounds, 1.4 pounds over the featherweight limit.

WBA president Gilberto Mendoza faced criticism after Kameda lost his title shot following Figueroa’s withdrawal. The WBA has been accused of having completely lost control of its organization over the years. A fan said of Mendoza’s leadership: “The WBA has completely lost control under your leadership. I hope you return to your roots and never forget the pride of being an organization with such a storied history!”

The scheduled fight between Brandon Figueroa and Tomoki Kameda was cancelled after Figueroa became ill following an attempt to rehydrate.

Kameda said he spent two and a half months training in Mexico for the opportunity before it disappeared. Kameda also stated that the WBA and promoters had agreed to prioritize him for the next world championship opportunity.

WBA President Gilberto Mendoza addressed the classification of the bout and the mandatory order, saying: “The issue is that Figueroa v. Kameda was a voluntary defense. The order should be number ne Mirko Cuello and number two Mikito Nakano. Likewise, on Monday the world championships committee will meet to make a decision.” Mirko Cuello and Mikito Nakano are reportedly the fighters currently in the mandatory order for the WBA featherweight title.

Kameda was reportedly eligible to win the vacant title even after Figueroa lost his belt on the scales.

Fans reportedly called for the Japanese Boxing Commission to stop recognizing the WBA.

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