Championship boxing heads to the Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta, GA, on Saturday, May 9, as IBF featherweight champion Angelo Leo (26-1, 12 KOs) defends his title against Ra’eese Aleem (23-1, 12 KOs) in a scheduled 12-round fight, live on DAZN.
The 35-year-old Aleem from Muskegon, MI, saw a big title fight slip through his hands when he suffered his first career loss to Sam Goodman in June 2023. Now he is in an actual title fight, which could be his last big opportunity for a world title.
In a press release earlier today, Aleem said, “This camp has been focused on tightening up my game, keeping that pressure and showing a different side of who I am, ” said Aleem. I don’t care what it takes, I believe I have the necessary skills to dethrone Leo. I’m not taking anything away from him either, he’s a hell of a fighter, I just know that I am a more elite fighter.”
Aleem and the champion Leo are familiar with each other because they have shared the ring in sparring years ago. Although much has happened since then, Aleem feels that this familiarity gives him the edge in this fight.
“Angelo Leo and I are very familiar with each other. We sparred 6 years ago, when I helped him get ready for an opponent, but I’ve grown as a fighter since then. I’m going to do what I need to do to take that belt from him and put Muskegon, Michigan on the map.”
If everything goes well for Aleem, he already has his mind set on what he wants to do moving forward as a champion. “When I win, I want to unify the division. I’m not ducking any smoke.”
This will be an interesting fight and one that will see the winner facing significant unification bouts as soon as the end of this year. The future of the featherweight division will be revealed on May 9.
Discover more from Fights Around The World
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
