Angelo Leo, a former champion at 122 pounds, achieved a remarkable feat by securing what could possibly be the Knockout of the Year in his victory over defending champion Luis Alberto Lopez. Leo delivered a flawless left hook that sent Lopez crashing down in the 10th round of their fierce battle in Leo’s hometown of Albuquerque. This victory not only earned Leo the IBF belt at 126 pounds but also established him as a force to be reckoned with in the featherweight division.
A Potential Showdown with Inoue
The boxing world is now abuzz with the possibility of a high-profile matchup between Angelo Leo and Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue. While Lopez was set to welcome Inoue to the featherweight ranks, fate may have other plans with Leo emerging as a strong contender for the matchup. Leo, expressing his desire to face off against all champions in the division, has made it known that he is open to a showdown with Inoue. With Leo’s recent move up in weight to 126 pounds, he feels more confident in his abilities and is eager to take on the best in the division.
Leo’s Road to Redemption
At 30 years old, Angelo Leo has proven himself as a formidable fighter with his recent victory over Lopez. Following what is likely to be hailed as the KO of the Year for 2024, Leo is now poised for even greater opportunities in the upcoming year. With Inoue on the cusp of a move to featherweight after dominating the 122-pound division, Leo is prepared to stake his claim as a dominant force in the new weight class. Despite a previous loss to Stephen Fulton, Leo’s impressive performance against Lopez showcases his potential for future success in the featherweight division.
Angelo Leo’s victory over Luis Alberto Lopez has elevated him to new heights in the boxing world. With the prospect of a showdown with Naoya Inoue on the horizon, Leo has set his sights on facing the best in the division. As he continues to showcase his skills and determination, Leo’s journey to becoming a two-weight champion is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the sport.