A former champ down at 122 kilos, Angelo Leo scored what might nicely show to be the KO of the Yr on Saturday in profitable the IBF belt at 126 kilos – Leo’s good left hook dropping defending champion Luis Alberto Lopez exhausting and heavy within the tenth spherical of their struggle within the new champ’s hometown of Albuquerque. Now a two-weight champion, Leo might find yourself having the most important struggle of his profession subsequent 12 months.
It’s no secret Lopez was welcoming Japanese famous person Naoya Inoue to the featherweight ranks followers appear nearly determined to see “The Monster” struggle at (all in good time, says Inoue). Now, perhaps Leo would be the champion Inoue finally ends up preventing if/when he makes the transfer up looking for a fifth world title at as many weights?
Leo, who mentioned after his crushing upset KO over Lopez how he needs “all of the champions,” may be very a lot open to preventing Inoue.
“In fact, I moved up in weight to 126. I bought extra zip on my punches now,” Leo mentioned after his huge win. “I simply really feel rather a lot higher at 126. I really feel rather a lot sharper. I employed a power and conditioning coach. Our coaching classes are much more intense than again then. The whole lot is much more intense so we’re able to go. I need to struggle all of the champions. Whether or not or not it’s Rafael Espinoza for a unification bout, Naoya Inoue – whoever it could be.”
30 12 months outdated Leo positive deserves the massive struggle alternatives now. After (greater than seemingly) choosing up the KO of the Yr award for 2024, 2025 might show to be even larger for warrior from Albuquerque.
Inoue has just about cleaned out the 122 pound division (save for a struggle with Murodjon Akhmadaliev, who feels Inoue is ducking him), and that transfer to featherweight appears set to occur fairly quickly. Leo will seemingly be ready for Inoue when the transfer occurs. And, Leo, now 25-1(12) would possibly show to be an actual, dominant drive at featherweight. That factors loss to Stephen Fulton appears a very long time in the past now.
