WBO super bantamweight champion Angelo ‘El Chinito’ Leo 20-0 (9) is ready to make the first defence of his world title when he takes on Stephen ‘Cool Boy Steph’ Fulton 18-0 (8) at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut on January 23.
The 26-year-old became the first world champion from Albuquerque, New Mexico since legendary three-division champion Johnny Tapia when he defeated Tramaine Williams by unanimous decision in August last year.
Leo was originally scheduled to face Fulton for the vacant WBO 122-pound title that night before Fulton was forced to withdraw following a positive Covid-19 test.
“It’s been a crazy year for everyone but to say I walked out of 2020 a world champion is truly incredible and humbling,” said Leo.
“I spent 16 years training for that moment to become a champion and here I am, preparing for my next camp for my first defence top of 2021. That’s a blessing and I thank Mayweather Promotions and my team for that. My experiences with Floyd last camp going to really put me in a great position going into this fight.
“My father Miguel has been instrumental in keeping me grounded and reminding me that all of these fighters are eyeing my spot. My goal in 2021 is to remain champion and get more belts and Fulton is that next test.”
Fulton, 26, is a West Philadelphia native who has claimed some quality scalps while rising up the 122-pound ranks.
In his last 12 professional fights he has beaten seven unbeaten fighters including Joshua Greer Jr, Adam ‘Blunose’ Lopez and Luis Saul Rosario.
In his two most recent wins Fulton scored a knockout over Isaac Avelar in August 2019 and outpointed Arnold Khegai over 12 rounds in January last year. Both boxers were undefeated at the time.
“Training is going great,” said Fulton. “I feel like everything happens for a reason because I’m 10 times more ready now than I was the first time around. I’m excited to fight for the title and I expect nothing but Angelo Leo to be himself and fight his fight on January 23.”
The event is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and TGB Promotions.
“We’re rolling straight into 2021 ready to keep creating as many opportunities as we can for our fighters,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Maywather Promotions.
“Angelo Leo and Rolando Romero will both be defending their titles for the first time and will be put to yet another test in their respective bouts.
“Everyone has been working hard and fine-tuning in preparation for January 23, and it’s going to be another great night of boxing filled with very exciting talent to kick off the new year.”
“Leo versus Fulton is a true 50-50 matchup between two rising stars entering the primes of their careers,” said Tom Brown, president of TGB Promotions.
“Fulton’s chance at capturing the title was delayed but his opportunity finally comes January 23 on Showtime. Leo worked incredibly hard to capture the world championship in August and will come prepared and determined to defend it successfully.
“The super bantamweight division will have a clear world title contender emerge from the co-main event, a battle of unbeatens between Ra’eese Aleem and Victor Pasillas.
“Add in the opening bout of ‘Rolly’ Romero versus Justin Pauldo, a fight that can launch a prospect into a contender, and we have an excellent fight card to kick off the year.”
