WBO bantamweight champion Tomoki Kameda departed for training in Miami on Wednesday, saying his overseas trip will be just what he needs to become a world-class fighter.
As things turn out, it is also the perfect opportunity for him to leave behind his troubles in Japan, where he and his two brothers Daiki and Koki have effectively been banned from fighting.
"There are things I can learn. I think I will get stronger," said Kameda before his departure at Narita airport.
He will likely defend his WBO title against top contender Pungluang Sorsingyu of Thailand, either in the United States or Mexico this May. The youngest of the Kameda brothers intends to remain overseas until the fight.
"All I want to do is make sure to get myself in top form so I can make it a great fight," he said.
The Japan Boxing Commission is embroiled in a controversy with the Kameda Gym over how Daiki retained the IBF super flyweight title last December.
It has not allowed the renewal of licenses for Shinji Yoshii, the gym's chairman, and manager Satoshi Shima, effectively stopping the brothers from fighting in Japan unless a new chairman and a manger are appointed.
"It is my dream to become a fighter recognized worldwide, so this is a great chance to do that," Kameda said.