Kameda’s father apologizes for ‘causing trouble’ in fight

Daiki Kameda sits in silence during press conference

Kyodo News

The father and trainer of Japanese boxer Daiki Kameda and the head of his gym apologized Wednesday for breaching regulations in last week’s WBC title fight, which resulted in a one-year suspension for the popular teenager.

News photoJapanese WBC flyweight boxer Daiki Kameda (left), accompanied by his father, Shiro Kameda, (center) and
Kyoei Gym president Keiichiro Kanehira, appears at a press conference held on Wednesday to offer an
apology for breaching regulations in last week’s WBC title fight in Tokyo. Kameda kept silent during the
press conference.
KYODO PHOTO

However, Kameda, who was present with Shiro Kameda and Kyoei Gym president Keiichiro Kanehira, did not utter a word and left after appearing before the press for less than 10 minutes. He has had his head shaven in an apparent sign of soul-searching and looked dejected.

There were no clear apologies to Japanese champion Daisuke Naito, Daiki Kameda’s opponent in their Oct. 11 flyweight fight, from either him or Shiro Kameda at the press conference held at the Japan Boxing Commission office.

“I’m sorry for causing so much trouble,” said Shiro, who has been hit by the JBC with an indefinite suspension from the ring. He was working the corner during the fight at Tokyo’s Ariake Colosseum and was alleged to have directed his 18-year-old son to fight dirty at times.

Shiro made it clear that he has no intention of appealing the rulings announced Monday by the JBC, which also include a three-month licensing suspension on Kanehira. The commission also issued a disciplinary warning to Koki Kameda, Shiro’s elder brother and former WBA light flyweight champion for his role in the corner.

“It can’t be helped once you receive such rulings,” Shiro said.

“I didn’t tell him (Daiki) to do anything to break the rules. I just told him (late in the match) to give it everything he had because I knew he was behind on points,” he said.

“I’m thinking about offering (Naito) an apology on another occasion,” he added.