Angelo Leo looks with pride towards his daily inspiration to become a two-division titlist.
The former WBO 122-pound beltholder is already convinced he can run the tables at featherweight. He has become more determined than ever to make his one-year-old son proud.
“My mindset is the same as when I won a world title at 122 pounds,” Leo told The Ring. “I just have more motivation now that I have a son. I’m more mature now and I want to be a good role model for him and set him up for the future.
“I have a lot to fight for now.”
Leo will face Eduardo Baez this Wednesday evening at WhiteSands ProBox Events Center in Plant City, Florida. The 10-round featherweight bout will stream live on the ProBox TV app and its YouTube page (8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT).
In his last bout on January 31, Leo (23-1, 11 knockouts), who resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, knocked out former junior featherweight contender Mike Plania in the third round. In his previous fight on November 1, Leo stopped Nicolas Polanco in the ninth round.
Prior to the win over Polanco, Leo had not fought since June 2021 when he defeated former world title challenger Aaron Alameda. That win came five months he lost his WBO 122-pound title to then-unbeaten Stephen Fulton in January 2021.
The setback remains the only blemish on Leo’s record, and it came versus one of the division’s best. 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 just a little greater than 5 months. His profession sorely lacked that kind of consistency, which might have an effect on fighter growth.
“I’m very grateful to maintain combating typically and to remain lively,” Leo mentioned. “I used to be out of the ring for over two years and had a number of catching as much as do. I wish to present the world how a lot I’ve gotten higher and that I’m enhancing my talent set.
“After every struggle I’ve had not too long ago, I take 5 days off after which I’m again within the fitness center. Prior 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 combined ends in latest 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 gained his final two begins. Each victories got here by way of 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 best way is considered as a menace.
“Baez is a strong 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 on no account overlooking Baez. He’s a strong 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 in opposition to any of the world titleholders. I’m taking a look at (IBF titlist Luis) ‘Venado’ Lopez,” insisted Leo. “I’m the very best featherweight in boxing. I imagine in my abilities. I used to be a world champion at 122 kilos. My physique proper now has settled into this weight.
“I’ve abilities, 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 will be reached at [email protected]
