Ra’eese Aleem Misses Weight, Leo Fight Canceled

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Dan Rafael reported that Aleem weighed 128.8 kilos, which was 2.8 kilos over the featherweight limit. Leo successfully made weight for the fight, which was set to headline a Salita Promotions card Saturday on DAZN.

“Ra’eese Aleem was 128.8 kilos – 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 rest of the cardboard remains to be expected to proceed as scheduled despite the cancellation of the predominant 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 primary defense of the IBF featherweight title he captured last 12 months.

The failed weigh-in brought more attention to Aleem’s path to a compulsory title shot. The 35-year-old had fought only thrice since losing a split decision to Sam Goodman in June 2023, averaging one fight per 12 months 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 ungainly spot. The IBF mandatory obligation prevented him from pursuing other opportunities, while Top Rank’s recent 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 within the IBF rankings after missing the featherweight limit by nearly three kilos.