Ra’eese Aleem misses weight, Leo fight cancelled

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Dan Rafael reported that Aleem weighed 128.8 pounds, which was 2.8 pounds over the featherweight limit. Leo successfully made weight for the fight, which was set to appear on a Salita Promotions card on Saturday on DAZN.

“Ra’eese Aleem was 128.8 pounds – 2.8 over the featherweight limit – and his mandatory challenge to IBF titlist Angelo Leo (who made weight) was due to be a Salita Promotions card on Saturday on DAZNis cancelled,” Rafael posted on X.

The rest of the card is expected to continue as scheduled despite the cancellation of the main event.

The fight would have marked Aleem’s first shot at a world featherweight title after moving up from the 122-pound division. Leo was preparing for the first defense of the IBF featherweight title he won last year.

The failed weigh-in brought more attention to Aleem’s path to a mandatory title shot. The 35-year-old has fought just three times since losing a split decision to Sam Goodman in June 2023, averaging one fight a year while not picking up a win over a recognized contender. Some fans have questioned why Aleem is getting a title opportunity under those circumstances.

Leo also entered the fray in an awkward place. The IBF mandatory has prevented him from pursuing other opportunities, while Top Rank’s new relationship with DAZN has opened the door to bigger fights at featherweight. Friday’s cancellation could now leave Leo available for a higher profile bout against either WBO champion Rafael Espinoza or WBC belt holder Bruce Carrington.

The Georgia Commission’s rules apparently give Leo the right to receive his full purse despite the cancellation because he successfully made weight. The canceled mandatory defense could also create uncertainty over Aleem’s position in the IBF rankings after he missed the featherweight limit by nearly three pounds.