With Designs on a Full-Scale Takeover, Angeletti Targets Big Names for Late Year Return

PBC bantamweight Michael Angeletti (12-0, 7 KOs) is on a mission to conquer the bantamweight division. In an exclusive interview with Brunch Boxing, Angeletti discussed his career trajectory, recent victories, and his ambitious plans for the near future. Fresh off a dominant unanimous decision win over Geraldo Valdez on August 21, Angeletti remains focused on ascending to the top of his division.

Angeletti’s victory over Valdez was showcased on a ProBox TV card, sparking rumors that he might have parted ways with PBC. However, Angeletti quickly put those rumors to rest, clarifying his promotional situation. “PBC gave us the go and said it was cool if we jumped over there [ProBox TV] to stay busy, to stay sharp… It might happen again depending on the dates with PBC and Amazon,” Angeletti told Brunch Boxing. His commitment to PBC remains firm, but he remains open to staying active through alternative platforms as he awaits his next big opportunity.

Growing up in Houston, Angeletti was inspired by legendary fighters like Roy Jones Jr., Andre Ward, Floyd Mayweather, Canelo Alvarez, Shane Mosley, and Pernell Whitaker. While he’s taken pieces from each of their styles, it’s the young Floyd Mayweather to whom Angeletti is most often compared. Within the PBC organization, many have already pegged Angeletti for greatness, and he’s determined to live up to those expectations by making his mark on the bantamweight division.

Looking ahead, Angeletti has his sights set on some of the biggest names in boxing. He expressed a strong desire to face legends like Nonito Donaire, Guillermo Rigondeaux, or title contender Gary Antonio Russell in his next bout. “I’m ready for the names right now. I want the names right now. I’m a contender, and I’m ready for the big names,” Angeletti declared.

The Russell fight holds particular interest for Angeletti, as it’s been on his radar for a few years. “That would definitely be a fight that I would take now or next or whenever. He’s a good name to add to my résumé,” Angeletti explained. His résumé already includes impressive victories, such as a dominant stoppage over Jeremy Adorno in a showdown between undefeated prospects and a stoppage win over Venezuelan veteran Michell Banquez.

Despite his clear readiness for high-profile bouts, Angeletti has faced challenges in securing opponents willing to step into the ring with him. “We’ve been trying to get guys that’s ranked in the sanctioning bodies for a while, but I guess they see me as high risk, low reward right now because we’re coming up. We’re still building a name for ourselves, so it’s been hard to get guys that actually want to take the risk and actually fight me,” he shared.

Angeletti’s ambitions don’t stop with domestic matchups. He has his eyes set on the current bantamweight champions, all of whom hold titles in Japan: Yoshiki Takei (WBO), Ryosuke Nishida (IBF), Takuma Inoue (WBA), and Junto Nakatani (WBC). Angeletti is undeterred by the prospect of traveling to Japan, making it clear that he’s willing to go wherever necessary to claim a world title. “It’s really up to these guys that’s ranked in the sanctioning bodies if they want to fight me or not,” Angeletti said, throwing down the gauntlet to his fellow bantamweights.

With an unbeaten record, a hunger for big fights, and the backing of PBC, Michael Angeletti is poised to make waves in the bantamweight division. As he continues to chase the sport’s elite names, the boxing world should keep a close eye on this rising star.

As for his immediate future, Angeletti is expected to return to the ring later this year, most likely in November or December. He’s hopeful to secure a spot on the November PBC on Prime PPV card headlined by Gervonta “Tank” Davis, but regardless of the exact date, fans can expect to see Angeletti back in action before the year is out.