Angelo Leo was sure of two things going into his fight against Luis ‘Venado’ Lopez:

Fighting before a hometown crowd would mean everything to him and that he is the best featherweight in the world.

“(My) mentality is [always] to go in there and win,” Leo told The Ring prior to Saturday’s fight. “Motivation is more than ever. Intensity of training is higher than ever so we’re making sure no stone is unturned here. We’re here to get the victory.”

Leo made believers out of any doubters Saturday night, scoring a vicious one-punch knockout win over Lopez in round 10 in his hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Leo (25-1, 12 knockouts) won the IBF world featherweight title.

A counter left hook to the head dropped Lopez (30-3, 17 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico out and for the count. Entering the 10th round, Leo was up 86-85 on two judges’ scorecards. Lopez was up 86-85 on the third.

“I’m the best featherweight right now,” insisted Leo, who entered as The Ring’s No. 10-rated fighter in the division. To his point, Lopez was rated No. 1 at featherweight.

In his previous bout on April 10, Leo defeated former world featherweight title challenger Eduardo Baez by unanimous decision. On January 31, Leo knocked out former junior featherweight contender Mike Plania in the third round.

Because of the level of opposition and what was at stake, Leo’s motivation and hunger going into the Lopez fight were at an all-time high.

“We see ‘Venado’ and he’s awkward,” observed Leo. “He does a lot of things that are not textbook to what trainers teach and all that. But it works for him and he gets away with it. But then again, he hasn’t fought a fighter like me. (Someone) with a style like me. He does have some losses on his record so that will tell you that his style isn’t foolproof.”

The 29-year-old Leo had not fought in his hometown of Albuquerque since a decision win over journeyman Stephon McIntyre in August 2015. The fight took place at the Civic Center in Albuquerque.

Leo was not only grateful for the opportunity to fight again in his hometown, but to do so with family, friends, and fans of his career in attendance.

“It means the world because this is where I grew up,” said Leo, who made his pro debut in November 2012. “It’s where I was raised. I have all my fans, all my family and friends are here, majority of them. It’s a blessing to be fighting in my hometown in front of people who have supported me throughout the years of my boxing career. Just to give back to my hometown because it’s been a while since I haven’t fought here.

“Last time I fought in Albuquerque was in 2015. It’s a good little gift for them to be fighting in front of them and not only just fighting, but also for a world title in front of them. I’m very happy for that. I’m very blessed to be giving that show for them. And also for them to show up and support.”

After moving on from his contract with Mayweather Promotions, Leo landed a deal with ProBox TV. He made his debut with that platform last November 1, when he stopped gatekeeper Nicolas Polanco.

A four-fight win streak preceded Leo’s title bid versus Lopez. His lone defeat came to Stephen Fulton in a Jan. 2021 battle of unbeaten junior featherweights which ended his WBO 122-pound title reign.

Compared to his state of mind, Leo is in a better place and has grown wiser in recent years. He believes learning from his mistakes have put him in a better position to take advantage of winning a world title belt.

“A lot of that had to do with maturity,” said Leo, the proud father of a two-year-old son. “My experience in the boxing game. My experience in life. All of that played a factor. I became more self-aware of what I needed to work on in my training and in my style. I improved in all that, I improved on my punching power.

“Of course, I moved up in weight to 126 (pounds). I got more zip on my punches now, rather than at 122. I just feel a lot better at 126. I feel a lot sharper. I hired a strength and conditioning coach. Our training sessions are a lot more intense than back then. Everything is a lot more intense so we’re ready to go.”

Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He can be reached at [email protected]

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