Now, the IBF featherweight world champion looks for a second defense Saturday night when he puts his title on the line against Ra’eese Aleem. It all takes place from the Gateway Center Arena at College Park in College Park, Georgia, and live on DAZN. It occurs on the same Saturday night that Fabio Wardley puts his WBO heavyweight world title up against former champ Daniel Dubois, also live on DAZN.

After becoming the IBF featherweight world champion with a knockout of Luis Alberto Lopez in 2024, Leo (26-1, 12 KOs) retained the title by scoring a majority decision over Tomoki Kameda in May 2025 in Japan. He clashes with Aleem (23-1, 12 KOs), who was busier last year with a pair of unanimous decisions over Rudy Garcia in May and Mikito Nakano in November.

Will Leo outpoint Aleem toward a second title defense? Or will Aleem pull off the upset to hear "and the new" by the end of the night? DAZN News examines who has the edge heading into this fight.

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Boxing Styles

Angelo Leo is a persistent body puncher, who not only stabs to the midsection, but deposits hard combinations there as well. He effectively punches in traffic and throws a compact right hook around opponents’ guards as one of his best offerings. Leo also generates torque and force with a left hook, driving his pressure up a notch.

He can be hit, though, and Ra’eese Aleem’s head and lateral movement in the pocket will look to exploit that. Aleem, like Leo, dedicates work to the body and changes levels back upstairs with a jab and slashing cross. The slight push might come via Leo’s more aggressive pressure, giving him the edge here.

Edge: Leo

Power

Both Leo and Aleem tout an identical 12 knockouts to their ledgers. However, Leo instantly sleeping Luis Alberto Lopez on a raucous left hook for a certified Knockout of the Year candidate shows just how potent ‘El Chinito’s’ power can be. His rugged pressure and willingness to sling leather in traffic only enhance his power punching.

Edge: Leo

Mental Warfare

This could be closer to a 50-50 fight than expected as each man works his style toward efficiency.

In defeating former world champions Lopez and Tomoki Kameda back to back, though, Leo should be brimming with confidence. He has accrued the experience that should give him the ring savvy and know how to deal with anything Aleem throws at him.

Edge: Leo

Who has the edge in Leo vs. Aleem?

The featherweight division is buzzing with Bruce Carrington and Brandon Figueroa making statements in becoming champions this year alone. To keep up, Leo has the motivation and sweet science skills to produce a convincing victory and perhaps unify at 126 pounds. DAZN News is giving Leo the 3-0 edge, though Aleem’s agility and boxing skills of his own might have plenty to say about that.