August 07, 2006
TOKYO, JAPAN
A nationwide controversy on the verdict for the WBA 108-pound elimination bout still continues here in Japan as Koki Kameda, an unbeaten 19-year-old sensation, was awarded a disputed split decision over Venezuelan Juan Landaeta last Wednesday. The give-and-take affair amazingly scored 52.9% at the announcement of the verdict and 42.4% in average throughout the contest. Probably about a half of the total Japanese population, 120 million, must have watched the Kameda-Landaeta title bout. The average TV rating is the highest registered in broadcasting boxing programs in last ten years, which may prove Kamedafs incredible popularity. His flamboyance, without doubt, has produced great many pro-fans and anti-fans, only the latter of whom still go on criticizing the decision rendered Kameda. TV news shows, weeklies or daily newspapers persistently keep castigating Kamedafs coronation by ignoring pro-Kameda fansf silent affirmative voices. It seems very ridiculous that those who have no correct knowledge on the scoring standard loudly discuss to downgrade Kamedafs victory although it was such a hairline affair that either could be a winner. It may show anti-Kameda fansf jealousy and antagonism against the tremendously up-and-coming 19-year-old kid.
(8-7-06)