Fighters with the controversial Kameda Gym could soon be back on Japan’s pro boxing scene following an announcement by the Japan Boxing Commission.
The JBC said Wednesday it had reached a settlement after it was sued by the gym’s chairman, Shinji Yoshii, and its manager, Satoshi Shima, who accused the body of wrongfully refusing to renew their licenses. Although the gym was never suspended, without licensed officials its boxers could not compete in Japan.
The suit had asked that Yoshii and Shima be certified and sought damages from the JBC. The settlement will allow the two to receive licenses with neither side asking for damages.
The JBC and the Kameda Gym had long been at odds over a variety of unseemly incidents, but the last straw came when Daiki Kameda retained his IBF super flyweight title in December 2013 despite losing his bout to an overweight fighter.
Daiki and his brother Koki retired soon after the JBC’s action, while the third boxing Kameda brother, Tomoki signed with the Kyoei Gym.
“They accepted that the punishment was wrong and in that understanding, their (Shima’s and Yoshii’s) honor was restored,” their attorney, Haruo Kitamura, said in a statement.
IN OTHER NEWS: After his resent destruction of Christopher Brooker, a second round KO shown live on PBC on FS1, undefeated light heavyweight, Ahmed Elbiali (16-0, 13 KOs) is looking to step up in competition. With the 175 lbs. division loaded with talent, Elbiali is looking to get ranked with a victory against a name fighter.
"I think the time is now for me to step up in competition and face a name fighter, someone who's making, or who has made some noise in the light heavyweight division," said Miami's Ahmed Elbiali. "This division is stacked, but I know I can beat some of the fighters that are currently ranked in the top ten. I just want to prove myself against a notable fighter.
Known for having power in both hands, Elbiali, is one of the biggest punchers at light heavyweight, boasting an 81% knockout ratio.
"What can I say, I enjoy knocking people out," Elbiali continued. "So far, not too many people have been able to go the distance with me. I know there will be time's where I'll have to go into deep waters, but my goal is always to end the fight early. The fans like to see knockouts, and that's what I always try to deliver."
ADD COMMENT VIEW COMMENTS (1)