Angelo Leo Signs Multi-Fight Deal With Top Rank, Eyes Unification, Inoue Bouts

Newly crowned IBF Featherweight Champion Angelo Leo is setting his sights on the biggest fights of his career after signing a multi-fight deal with Top Rank Boxing. In an exclusive interview with Brunch Boxing, the 30-year-old champion confirmed the deal, stating, “Currently, we have a three-fight deal with Top Rank.” This move marks a major turning point for Leo, who is eager to capitalize on his momentum and seek unification bouts in the featherweight division.

Leo claimed his IBF crown in dramatic fashion on August 10, delivering a knockout victory over Luis Alberto “Venado” Lopez. However, the fight took a tragic turn for Lopez, who suffered a brain bleed during the contest. Leo expressed his concern during the interview, saying, “It’s unfortunate that he suffered a brain bleed. I don’t wish that upon any of my opponents. I wish for a speedy recovery.” Leo reached out to his manager, who confirmed that Lopez is in recovery, though his future in the sport remains uncertain.

Leo’s career trajectory took a sharp turn after his decision to leave Mayweather Promotions, a move driven by frustration over inactivity. “The promotion wasn’t keeping me active,” Leo explained. “They said that they were going to get us a fight, but they never did. Two or three months went by and another two or three months went just giving us the runaround.” After parting ways with Mayweather Promotions, Leo signed with ProBox TV, where he made a strong impression by winning three consecutive fights. Those performances caught the attention of Top Rank, and now Leo is positioned to make a significant impact in the featherweight division.

Leo’s immediate focus is a mandatory defense against IBF #1 contender Tomoki Kameda, a bout expected to take place in early 2025. But the champion has much bigger ambitions. His goal is to unify the division, with a particular target on Rey Vargas, the WBC Featherweight Champion. “Rey Vargas is the guy I want to unify with,” Leo said. “I’ve always wanted to win the WBC title.” Vargas, who is expected to face Brandon Figueroa later this year, is high on Leo’s radar, as he hopes to fight the winner of that matchup.

Beyond unification, Leo also has his sights set on one of the sport’s most feared fighters: Naoya “The Monster” Inoue. Inoue, the current undisputed super bantamweight champion, is expected to move up to featherweight in 2025. Leo expressed his eagerness for a showdown, stating, “I would love to fight Naoya Inoue next year.”

While Leo is open to a rematch with his former rival, Stephen Fulton—who defeated him via unanimous decision for the WBO super bantamweight title in 2021—he believes Fulton must first establish himself in the featherweight division before they can meet again. Leo is determined to solidify his legacy in the weight class and sees unification as his top priority.

Angelo Leo is expected to make his return to the ring in the first quarter of 2025, and with Top Rank behind him, the champion is ready for the biggest challenges of his career.