Angelo Leo turned a two-division world champion in emphatic style after securing the IBF featherweight world title with a surprising one-punch knockout in opposition to Luis Alberto ‘Venado’ Lopez.
In an enormous upset at Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Leo (25-2, 12 KOs) signed off a powerful hometown victory with in model by delivering a robust contender for knockout of the 12 months.
Leo boxed intelligently as Venado pushed ahead confidently together with his palms down. Undeterred, Leo moved his ft to arrange brief combos.
Credit score: Mikey Williams/High Rank
Regardless of Venado (30-3, 17 KOs) connecting often, Leo returned hearth usually with fast combos and arduous counters within the center rounds when Venado was off stability.
The Mexican powerhouse appeared unfazed by Leo’s punches, however an ideal left hook put Venado flat on his again within the tenth, ending the combat with 76 seconds remaining.
Angel Leo delivered a surprising KO to safe the IBF featherweight world title
Leo, the previous WBO junior featherweight world champion, joins fellow Duke Metropolis natives Johnny Tapia and Danny Romero in incomes world titles in two weight courses.
“This means the world to me, fighting back in my hometown,” Leo mentioned. “I have been craving for this second. Like I mentioned, what higher method to do it than with a world title shot and with a knockout?
“That left hook, we’ve been practicing in camp for four, five months. Not in the gym, but in my room in front of the mirror. I just kept throwing that left hook. And it paid off in the 10th round.
Lopez had held the IBF featherweight title since beating Josh Warrington in December 2022
“I want to fight all the champions, whether it be Rafael Espinoza for a unification bout. Naoya Inoue, whoever it may be.”
On the identical card, Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado (21-0, 15 KOs) edged Bryan Flores (26-1-1, 15 KOs) through a 10-round cut up choice in tonight’s co-feature.
Delgado fought at a measured tempo, dropping Flores with a counter proper hand within the third. However Flores started to land rights of his personal and pushed Delgado to the ropes within the center rounds.
In spherical seven, Flores was deducted some extent for hitting under the belt, and Delgado upped his offense within the eighth to attempt to impede Flores’ momentum. The 2 went tit-for-tat with left hooks and brief proper palms at shut vary for the remaining two rounds.
One decide had it 96-92 Flores, whereas Delgado prevailed by scores of 96-92 and 95-93.
“The victory was not easy, but I enjoyed it a lot,” Delgado mentioned. “We had to stay focused in each moment to win the fight. He came with a strong will to win, and aside from that, he throws his punches with force. But we managed to get the victory. I would like a world title opportunity next.”
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