IBF featherweight title defense collapses after Aleem comes in two pounds over the limit in Georgia
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Angelo Leo successfully made weight Friday for his IBF featherweight title defense, but challenger Ra’eese Aleem missed the limit badly enough to cancel the fight. Aleem came in two pounds over the featherweight limit on his second attempt, leaving Leo without an opponent despite completing training camp.
Aleem initially came in at 128.8 pounds before returning for a second attempt and still weighing 128 pounds, two pounds over the featherweight limit. The canceled bout leaves unanswered questions about whether the IBF will attempt to reschedule the mandatory title fight or move Leo toward another contender.
Leo Left Waiting
The size of Aleem’s miss could complicate efforts to quickly put the fight back together. Leo completed his training camp, made championship weight, and was preparing to make the first defense of the title he won last year.
A long wait for a rescheduled fight may not appeal to Leo’s side if another opportunity becomes available sooner.
Several contenders remain positioned near the top of the IBF rankings if the sanctioning body chooses another direction. Omar Trinidad is currently ranked #2 by the IBF, while Luis Reynaldo Nunez, Tomoki Kameda, Lerato Dlamini, and Toshiki Shimomachi are also sitting near the title position.
Possible Next Challengers
Further down the rankings are recognizable names such as Nick Ball, Luis Nery, and unbeaten Japanese contender Mikito Nakano.
It is still unclear how quickly Leo can return to the ring after losing his scheduled title defense at the final hurdle. The remainder of the DAZN card will still move forward, but Leo leaves the event without a fight despite making weight and completing a full training camp.
IBF Decision Ahead
The IBF has not yet announced whether Aleem will remain in mandatory position or whether the title picture could shift toward another contender following Friday’s cancellation.
Promoters and the IBF now face pressure to quickly clarify Leo’s next fight and championship future.
Last Updated on 2026/05/09 at 12:14 PM
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