Angelo Leo’s career revival continued Saturday in Osaka, Japan, when he stepped on enemy soil to defend his WBO featherweight title against Tomoki Kameda.

Leo (26-1, 12 KOs) outlasted Kameda (42-5, 23 KOs) in a competitive clash that was close on the scorecards, eventually winning an entertaining, nip-and-tuck affair by majority decision.

“It was everything I expected. It was a tough fight and he was a tough competitor, but we got the job done,” Leo said during his post-fight remarks. “I landed more shots on him, and that’s what won me the fight.

“Tomoki was a lot stronger than I expected. He was really fast with the punches. He had a little bit more power than I expected. He never hurt me, but he did get my attention a few times. He was quick on the trigger. I’m sure he felt my power because I busted up his nose.

“The jab was a key factor in winning this fight. I made the necessary adjustments. A part of me wanted to go in there and bang and go toe to toe with him but I stuck to the game plan and outboxed him. In the later rounds he was having a hard time getting away from the jab. I was popping him and got into a groove and I started throwing my combinations.”

“El Chinito” Leo came into the fight after scoring a massive upset knockout win against Luis Alberto Lopez in August to notch the 126-pound title he now carries. The win came after Leo also beat credible contenders Eduardo Baez and Mike Plania during his recent run, and the 31-year-old, Albuquerque, New Mexico, native is riding a six-fight winning streak since the lone loss of his career, a 2021 unanimous decision defeat to Stephen Fulton in a 122-pound title fight.

With a title in tow and Top Rank affiliations, Leo stands as an attractive opponent for Naoya Inoue once “The Monster” moves up to 126.

“A fight with Inoue is definitely looming in the distance,” said Leo. “The Japanese fans are great. I had a great experience, and I would love to come back and fight here again.”

Leo said he plans to return to Japan and enjoy the country while on vacation this summer.

“This was a good accolade to add to my resume, to beat a former world champion in his hometown,” said Leo. “I think I am on my way.”