Angelo Leo seems with delight in the direction of his each day inspiration to change into a two-division titlist.
The previous WBO 122-pound beltholder is already satisfied he can run the tables at featherweight. He has change into extra decided than ever to make his one-year-old son proud.
“My mindset is identical as once I received a world title at 122 kilos,” Leo informed The Ring. “I simply have extra motivation now that I’ve a son. I’m extra mature now and I need to be position mannequin for him and set him up for the long run.
“I’ve rather a lot to struggle for now.”
Leo will face Eduardo Baez this Wednesday night at WhiteSands ProBox Occasions Middle in Plant Metropolis, Florida. The ten-round featherweight bout will stream dwell on the ProBox TV app and its YouTube web page (8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT).
In his final bout on January 31, Leo (23-1, 11 knockouts), who resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, knocked out former junior featherweight contender Mike Plania within the third spherical. In his earlier struggle on November 1, Leo stopped Nicolas Polanco within the ninth spherical.
Previous to the win over Polanco, Leo had not fought since June 2021 when he defeated former world title challenger Aaron Alameda. That win got here 5 months he misplaced his WBO 122-pound title to then-unbeaten Stephen Fulton in January 2021.
The setback stays the one blemish on Leo’s report, and it got here versus one of many division’s finest. Philadelphia’s Fulton (21-1, 8 KOs) is The Ring’s No. 1-rated junior featherweight.
Leo hopes to crack The Ring’s prime ten at featherweight.
He’s heading in the right direction, activity-wise. Wednesday will mark Leo’s third struggle in a bit greater than 5 months. His profession sorely lacked that kind of consistency, which may have an effect on fighter improvement.
“I’m very grateful to maintain combating usually and to remain lively,” Leo mentioned. “I used to be out of the ring for over two years and had numerous catching as much as do. I need to present the world how a lot I’ve gotten higher and that I’m enhancing my ability set.
“After every struggle I’ve had lately, I take 5 days off after which I’m again within the fitness center. Up to now, I couldn’t work on issues, like protection. I’m simply glad to be combating actually because now I can work on specifics per the opponent we get.”
Leo will get a veteran fringe contender in Baez (23-5-2, 9 KOs), who has had blended ends in current fights.
Mexicali’s Baez challenged then-WBO featherweight titlist Emanuel Navarrete in August 2022. He was forward on two scorecards after 5 rounds however was knocked out within the sixth from a physique shot.
Two extra losses adopted earlier than Baez received his final two begins. Each victories got here through knockout and versus club-level opposition.
The expertise that Baez brings to the ring, nonetheless, is Leo’s focus. Along with his sights set on one other title run, each opponent alongside the way in which is seen as a risk.
“Baez is a stable fighter,” mentioned Leo, who’s skilled by his father. “He has fought stellar fighters, together with Navarrete.
“I deliver the identical mentality each struggle to go in and win. I’m hoping for a world title, however I’m by no means overlooking Baez. He’s a stable man. I’m prepared for this struggle, from rounds 1 to 10.”
With a win on Wednesday, the hope is that only one or two extra will result in a title shot.
“I’ll undoubtedly take a struggle towards any of the world titleholders. I’m taking a look at (IBF titlist Luis) ‘Venado’ Lopez,” insisted Leo. “I’m the perfect featherweight in boxing. I consider in my expertise. I used to be a world champion at 122 kilos. My physique proper now has settled into this weight.
“I’ve expertise, and I’ve every part that it takes to be a world champion once more.”
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has coated boxing in Southern California and overseas since 2000. Francisco additionally covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He could be reached at [email protected]
Comply with @FSalazarBoxing
