Former junior featherweight titleholder Angelo Leo’s comeback tour has reached a climax, and one other championship-clinching alternative will probably be offered Saturday evening when he challenges IBF featherweight beltholder Luis Alberto Lopez.
The primary occasion combat will happen in Leo’s hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico on the Tingley Coliseum on ESPN.
“It is undoubtedly a dream come true and a blessing. I am unable to lose in my hometown. That is one thing I will not do,” Leo informed BoxingScene.
Leo (24-1, 11 KOs) has not fought in New Mexico since 2015, however he’s simply glad to be combating once more.
“El Chinito” made a reputation for himself in 2020 when he beat Tramaine Williams for the vacant WBO 122-pound title however misplaced it the following outing in opposition to Stephen Fulton. On the time, he was signed to Mayweather Promotions.
Leo, 30, bounced again after his first skilled loss six months later in June 2021 to beat Aaron Alameda, however he could not get again into the ring for 2 and a half years. Struggling to get fights, Leo signed with ProBox and landed three fights in a 5 month stretch from November to April, beating the likes of Nicolas Polanco, Mike Plania, and most lately, former title challenger Eduardo Baez.
“I had a hiccup in my profession with exercise after the Alameda combat, however I acquired my profession again on monitor once I signed with ProBox and made up for misplaced time,” stated Leo. “I realized quite a bit from not combating, however now I’m again to it.
“Wanting again on the Fulton combat, I used to be not as mature as I ought to have been. However that is boxing, you reside and also you study, and I realized from these errors. I’ve much more instruments in my arsenal now.”
Leo’s new-found confidence will probably be wanted to point out a strong account of himself in opposition to Lopez (30-2, 17 KOs). “Venado” Lopez, a 30-year-old, nine-year professional from Mexico, was steamrolling via the competitors whereas Leo was caught on the sidelines, beating Josh Warrington for the title he now owns and defending it in opposition to Michael Conlan, Joet Gonzalez and Reiya Abe.
“He is the 126-pound champion who has been buzzing essentially the most,” stated Leo.
“Lopez does loads of issues properly and lots of people do not give him credit score for his type. He is acquired good energy and that is one thing that negates his awkward and unconvential type. We’re trying to exploit that … He is undoubtedly hittable and has loads of defensive flaws.
“I am hittable as properly although. However a real champion can modify to something. I wish to present that pedigree. I can slug it out, field, transfer – I’m prepared for all of that.”
Manouk Akopyan is a sports activities journalist, author and broadcast reporter. He’s additionally a member of the Boxing Writers Affiliation of America and the MMA Journalists Affiliation. He will be reached on X (previously Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan, via e mail at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com or by way of www.ManoukAkopyan.com.
