Aleem weighs 128.8 pounds for IBF featherweight title fight as DAZN main event falls apart
Ra’eese Aleem failed to make weight Friday, forcing the cancellation of his scheduled IBF featherweight title fight against Angelo Leo. Aleem came in at 128.8 pounds, nearly three pounds over the division limit, while Leo successfully made weight for Saturday’s DAZN main event
“Ra’eese Aleem was 128.8 pounds – 2.8 over the featherweight limit – and his mandatory challenge to IBF titlist Angelo Leo (who made weight), which was to headline a Salita Promotions card Saturday on DAZN, has been canceled,” Rafael posted on X.
The remainder of the card is still expected to proceed as scheduled despite the cancellation of the main event.
The fight would have marked Aleem’s first shot at a world title at featherweight after moving up from the 122-pound division. Leo was preparing for the first defense of the IBF featherweight title he captured last year.
The failed weigh-in brought more attention to Aleem’s path to a mandatory title shot. The 35-year-old had fought only three times since losing a split decision to Sam Goodman in June 2023, averaging one fight per year while not recording a win over a recognized contender. Some fans had already questioned why Aleem was receiving a title opportunity under those circumstances.
Leo also entered the fight in an awkward spot. The IBF mandatory obligation prevented him from pursuing other opportunities, while Top Rank’s new relationship with DAZN opened the door to larger fights at featherweight. Friday’s cancellation could now leave Leo available for a higher-profile bout against either WBO champion Rafael Espinoza or WBC belt-holder Bruce Carrington.
Georgia commission rules reportedly entitle Leo to receive his full purse despite the cancellation because he successfully made weight. The canceled mandatory defense could also create uncertainty about Aleem’s position in the IBF rankings after missing the featherweight limit by nearly three pounds.