Rafael Espinoza’s team is quickly moving towards a unification fight with IBF featherweight champion Angelo Leo following the collapse of Leo’s scheduled title defense against Ra’eese Aleem.
Boxing reporter Fernando Sabatini said Saturday that Espinoza’s team plans to formally pursue the Leo fight and noted that negotiations between the camps were previously close to being concluded.
“We haven’t seen a unification in the 126 lbs division since 2003 (22 years ago),” Sabatini said on X. “The ‘Divino’ Espinoza team just confirmed to me a few hours ago that they will be requesting the fight against Angelo Leo, and they reminded me that they were very close to making it happen a while back.”
Espinoza holds the WBO featherweight title and has become one of the division’s most active champions. A fight against Leo would create the first featherweight unification match in over two decades.
Aleem misses weight
The push for unification accelerated after Leo’s planned defense against Aleem was canceled in Atlanta on Friday.
Aleem came in 2.8 pounds overweight at his first weigh-in attempt and was still over the featherweight limit after being given additional time by the Georgia Commission. The fight was officially cancelled, leaving Leo without an opponent despite completing training camp.
Leo retained his IBF title without a fight and reportedly still received his full purse under Georgia boxing regulations.
The failed weigh-in was a major setback for Aleem, who earned mandatory challenger status for the first title shot of his career.
Carrington is waiting
Sabatini also reported that undefeated contender Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington could fight Leo if the Espinoza unification does not materialize.
“Bruce ‘Shu Shu’ Carrington, who I don’t think will face Divino at least for now, may also be looking for a fight against Angelo Leo,” Sabatini posted.
Carrington has continued to climb the featherweight rankings and has been increasingly linked to title opportunities following his recent wins.
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Last updated on 2026/05/10 at 18:50
