Angelo Leo, the ex-world champ who’s currently chilling at #7 in the WBA featherweight rankings decided to demonstrate a masterclass on Eduardo Baez (23-6-2, 9 KOs), with a bit of “you hit me, I hit you harder” kind of entertainment. Leo turned Baez’s midsection into his personal punching bag yesterday in Plant City, and in the process, treated us to a right-hand clinic that seemed to bypass Baez’s jab as if it were mere decoration. The judges handed down scorecards of 97-93, 98-92, and 98-92, all in favor of Leo.
Leo, clinging to his WBA Continental North America featherweight title like it’s the last life vest on the Titanic, is clearly setting his sights higher. Because continental titles are just so passé when you’ve had a taste of that sweet, sweet WBO super bantamweight title life. Now, he’s got his eyes on the featherweight world title, because why settle for less?
Enter Paulie Malignaggi, the former WBA welterweight champ turned ProBox’s gift to commentary, who seems to think Leo isn’t just ready for a world title shot; he’s practically on the doorstep, ringing the bell. “He’s a handful,” Malignaggi declared. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in a big, big fight at any point this year.” Because, sure, let’s just throw him into the mix and see what happens.
Baez managed to only win the first round on my scorecard. But then, as if realizing he had peaked too soon, decided to let Leo dominate the narrative from the second round all the way to the tenth. Leo’s body shots were not just heard but felt through the ProBox stream, marking his territory with thudding punches that Baez seemed to absorb with the stoicism of a martyr.
Baez wasn’t just there for the scenic Florida backdrop, though. He landed his fair share of hard shots, but they seemed more like polite disagreements to Leo’s vehement arguments. And despite Leo’s best efforts to send Baez to the canvas for a more intimate encounter with the mat, Baez’s chin proved as reliable as ever, stubbornly refusing to concede, much like that one guest at the party who just won’t take the hint.
Results:
- Angelo Leo vs. Eduardo Baez: Angelo Leo won by unanimous decision (W-UD) in 10 rounds. Division: Feather.
- Jaycob Gomez vs. Jose Arellano: Jaycob Gomez won by majority decision (W-MD) in 8 rounds. Division: Super Feather.
- Dominic Valle vs. Angel Vazquez Lupercio: Dominic Valle won by technical knockout (W-TKO) in round 2. Division: Super Feather.
