Leo ready to make things happen
By Andy Rivera
It has been two and a half years since former WBO super bantamweight champion Angelo Leo has been in the ring. Leo defeated Aaron Alameda, in June of 2021, Leo is now set to return November 1st in Florida against 20-4-1, Nicolas Polanco. The bout will be for the WBA intercontinental featherweight title.
Leo, 21-1, has always been in the gym training and waiting for his next opportunity, yet wasn’t able to secure anything, during this time Leo told boxingnewmexico he did some maturing and saw the birth of his son Aziel, who turned one this past week.
“Having a son has really taught me patience and it has helped me be more relaxed and prepare for anything that comes our way.” Said Leo.
Leo, made a life changing career move in 2017, Leo and his father moved to Las Vegas, NV and went to the Mayweather Gym, owned by Floyd Mayweather, there Leo signed with Mayweather Promotions and was able to capture the vacant WBO Crown with a 12 round win over Tramaine Williams in 2020. Leo would lose his crown in his first defense against Stephen Fuller.
Leo fought one more time under the Mayweather banner defeating Alameda.
Mayweather and Leo did part on good terms, it was just a difference in what each envisioned for Leo’s future.
“Everything is good between Mayweather and I, they helped me get to fighting for a world title and I’m thankful. We just had different ideas on where the next stage in my career is going.“ stated Leo.
Returning against Polanco, Leo now has his sights set on the featherweight title, which Leo felt it was time to move up,
“I feel a lot stronger at this weight, I don’t have to struggle to drop those last stubborn pounds. I feel it will only help me in this phase of my career.“
In this phase, Leo hopes his win over Polanco will propel him to getting closer to his goal of being a two time champion in two weight classes.
“I am close to signing with a new promoter and we plan to keep active, no more sitting and waiting. We are ready to make things happen.”
Although Leo has spared with world champions Nonito Donaire and Shakur Stevenson, one of the top fighters in the world, Leo will return to his roots of Albuquerque to get some sparring in as well. He was recently here sparring with amateur Yoruba Moreu jr. in preparation for 11/1 and the next phase in his career.
The next phase starts next week against Polanco, who had a no contest against the durable Robson Conceicao, this past June.
“Once we get this win under our belt and things finalized without new promoter, I hope to get back on track to fight for the featherweight title.“
