Jamie McDonnell vs. Tomoki Kameda: Fight Time, Date, Live Stream and TV Info

It may not be the unification clash that had originally been planned, but Jamie McDonnell against Tomoki Kameda is still an intriguing fight in the bantamweight division.

The clash in Texas will see McDonnell's WBA title on the line at the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas.

Kameda (31-0, 19KO) was the WBO champion. However, the governing body refused to sanction his next bout. The Japanese fighter's reaction was to vacate the strap.

He is, though, looking to protect an unbeaten record against McDonnell (25-2-1, 12KO), who has not lost, himself, since 2008.

However, someone's successful streak will have to come to an end on Saturday night.

When: Saturday, May 9; show starts at 4 p.m. (local)/1 p.m. (PT)/9 p.m. (BST)

Where: State Farm Arena, Hidalgo, Texas

TV: CBS (US), Sky Sports (UK)

Live Stream: Sky Sports (regional restrictions apply)

Champion spirit

Scott Heavey/Getty Images

McDonnell may be making his American debut, but he seems extremely confident of getting a positive result on his travels, per Martin Domin of the Daily Mail:

"

'I think Kameda is a bit scared and a bit intimidated by my size,' he said. 'I genuinely believe I am going to knock him out. I'm too big and too strong.

'I've been a world champion for a couple of years now. I'm ultra-confident for this fight. It's the best I've ever felt. I'm really looking forward to it.

'Kameda is a good fighter and I expect the very best from him. He better expect the very best from me. This is life changing, whoever wins this fight gets propelled up a few levels.'

"

The Doncaster fighter has every reason to be optimistic: He has reeled off 17 wins in a row and has won the British, Commonwealth and European titles in that stretch of results.

The 29-year-old was also the IBF champion, only to be stripped of the belt.

McDonnell claimed the WBA version by beating Tabtimdaeng Na Rachawat at Wembley last year, then successfully defended it against Javier Nicolas Chacon in November.

However, Kameda will be his toughest challenge to date. His cause is not helped by the absence of trainer Dave Hulley due to a fear of flying, per Liam Hoden in the Sheffield Star.

Manager Dave Coldwell has stepped in to fill the void, but McDonnell is experienced enough to cope with the change in his corner. 

Chance to shine 

Kameda—the youngest of three boxing brothers—began his professional career fighting in Mexico, resulting in him gaining the nickname El Mexicanito.

His time in South America has moulded his fighting style. As Scott Christ stated in his preview for Bad Left Hook, the 23-year-old "focuses on a healthy body attack."

He out-pointed Paulus Ambunda to become the WBO champion in 2013 and went on to defend the gold on three occasions.

The last two outings came on American soil and although he dismantled Pungluang Sor Singyu first up, he struggled to a split-decision verdict against Alejandro Hernandez in Chicago last November.

Now, however, Kameda is determined to impress in front of a wider audience.

He said at the pre-fight press conference (h/t BoxingNews24.com): "It is a dream come true to fight on a network like CBS. Millions are now going to get to know me, get to know my style. Boxing is changing and to be part of that is a great honor to me."

Facing the fearless McDonnell offers him the perfect opportunity to sparkle in the United States.

Prediction

Picking a winner is not easy, considering these two are placed right next to each other in the bantamweight rankings, per Ring Magazine.

Kameda has yet to taste defeat, but that tight victory over Hernandez, a Mexican who had to retire after four rounds against Leo Santa Cruz in 2012, raises a few concerns.

Likewise, McDonnell had to work hard against the brave Chacon last time out. The Englishman might not be the biggest hitter at the weight, but he will certainly not lack for effort.

His high work rate may cause problems for Kameda, but expect the challenger to eventually work out a way to deal with the pressure. A points win will see the Japanese move to 32-0 and become the new WBA champion.