Former bantamweight titlist Tomoki Kameda will be hoping to make the most of his second shot at a featherweight title.

Kameda, who came up short against then WBC champion Rey Vargas (UD 12) in July 2019, will face IBF ruler Angelo Leo at the Intex Osaka, Osaka, Japan, on Saturday.

"I've been waiting to fight in Osaka for many years," Kameda (42-4, 23 knockouts) told The Ring through Tatsuru Yoshikawa. "In fact, this is the first time in my career that I've fought for the world title there.

"So, I'm very happy to be able to fight in my hometown, and these situations and circumstances will give me more strength against Angelo Leo."

Leo won the world title last August with one of the Knockouts of the Year, a sensational one-punch KO over defending champion Luis Alberto Lopez in the 10th round.

"That's exactly what Leo was looking for from the first round," he remarked. "It was really useful for me to see that fight because Venado's style is similar to my new style. I'll have to be really careful.

"Leo is a very good boxer, with great agility, punch resistance and physical condition. I can see he has a very good team working with him."

And to get the opportunity to face the American, Kameda had to overcome Lerato Dlamini, who had previously beaten him.

"No excuses, Dlamini was better than me in the first fight," he said. "In the second fight, with my new style, I got the better of him.

"Of course, I have a lot to work on, but I feel very strong. Training, discipline, every day I fight with myself and improve. That's what's helping me consolidate my position in the featherweight division."

Kameda will prepare under his father, Shiro, who also previously guided Tomoki's older brothers Koki and Daiki to world titles. His training camp has been at home in Osaka.

At 33, this could be Kameda's last attempt at winning a world title. However, he's putting that to the back of his mind.

"Whether or not it's my last chance, I couldn't say," he said. "I'm very focused on this fight and determined to return as world champion.

"We are going to have a good fight. Since we are both going forward, there will be many blows. It will be a very good show."

Leo (25-1, 12 KOs), rated at No. 2 by The Ring at featherweight, turned professional as a teenager back in 2012 in his native Albuquerque. He recorded notable wins over experienced duo Mark John Yap (UD 10) and former world title challenger Cesar Juarez (TKO 11). When Emanuel Navarrete vacated the WBO 122-pound title, Leo was matched with previously unbeaten Tramaine Williams. Leo scored an impressive 12-round unanimous decision but lost his belt in his first defense against Stephen Fulton (UD 12).

After one comeback win, Leo, 30, spent two-and-a-half years on the sidelines before returning earlier this year and scoring two wins to earn a shot at IBF featherweight Luis Alberto Lopez. The two battled on near even terms until Leo thrilled his hometown fans with a picture perfect one-punch knockout in the 10th round.