Angelo Leo grew to become a two-division world champion in emphatic style after securing the IBF featherweight world title with a shocking one-punch knockout in opposition to Luis Alberto ‘Venado’ Lopez.
In a giant upset at Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Leo (25-2, 12 KOs) signed off a formidable hometown victory with in model by delivering a robust contender for knockout of the 12 months.
Leo boxed intelligently as Venado pushed ahead confidently along with his fingers down. Undeterred, Leo moved his ft to arrange brief combos.
Credit score: Mikey Williams/High Rank
Regardless of Venado (30-3, 17 KOs) connecting sometimes, Leo returned fireplace typically with fast combos and laborious counters within the center rounds when Venado was off steadiness.
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 struggle with 76 seconds remaining.
Angel Leo delivered a shocking 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 lessons.
“This implies the world to me, combating again in my hometown,” Leo mentioned. “I have been craving for this second. Like I mentioned, what higher technique to do it than with a world title shot and with a knockout?
“That left hook, we have been practising in camp for 4, 5 months. Not within the gymnasium, however in my room in entrance of the mirror. I simply stored throwing that left hook. And it paid off within the tenth spherical.
Lopez had held the IBF featherweight title since beating Josh Warrington in December 2022
“I wish 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.”
On the identical card, Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado (21-0, 15 KOs) edged Bryan Flores (26-1-1, 15 KOs) through a 10-round break 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 a degree for hitting beneath 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 fingers at shut vary for the remaining two rounds.
One choose had it 96-92 Flores, whereas Delgado prevailed by scores of 96-92 and 95-93.
“The victory was not simple, however I loved it lots,” Delgado mentioned. “We needed to keep centered in every second to win the struggle. He got here with a robust will to win, and except for that, he throws his punches with pressure. However we managed to get the victory. I would love a world title alternative subsequent.”
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