[1] In 1984, after two away matches in Los Angeles, Hamada fought against the former WBA world lightweight champion Claude Noel to knock him out in the fourth round at the Korakuen Hall on September 9.
In 1985, after setting a Japanese record of fifteen consecutive knockout wins,[7] he also captured the OPBF lightweight title in Naha, Okinawa, in the next fight on July 7.
Originally Hamada excelled in the left cross, but during a long period that he underwent medical treatment for his fist injury, he intensively practiced the right hook which brought him a championship belt.
[4] On July 24, 1986, Hamada moved up in weight division and knocked out René Arredondo who exceeded him four inches respectively in height and reach,[9] in the first round to gain the WBC world junior welterweight title.
[14] He aimed at the recapture of the title, but opted for retirement, because his right knee injury did not recover and because Arredondo had been no longer a champion after losing to Roger Mayweather in his first defense.