Angelo Leo, new world title hurdle for Gyatabi

World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Global super bantamweight champion, Wasiru “Gyatabi” Mohammed, has America’s Angelo Leo to become a world champion in the division.

Wasiru could have the opportunity to fight the new WBO super bantamweight titlist, who won the belt last Saturday after a unanimous decision victory over compatriot Tramaine Williams.

The hard-hitting Ghanaian, who is ranked seventh by the WBO, has been calling out former holder of the title, Emanuel Navarrete, until he vacated the title to move up in weight.

With Navarrete out of the picture, Wasiru’s only hope of adding his name to the nation’s list of world champions would be against Leo.

However, in the likely event of Wasiru landing a shot at the title, the following is the assessment of the 24-year-old Ghanaian’s chances as against that of Leo, 26.

Fighting style

Both fighters have different styles, despite having an orthodox stance. While Leo throws so many punches at a time, Wasiru hits hard with power.

Leo’s frequent combinations were evident in his fight with Williams at the Mohegan Sun Casino & Resort in Uncasville, Connecticut, when he earned a 117-111, 118-110 and 118-110 unanimous decision.

The American has been tried and tested against experienced opponents as compared to Wasiru. Leo destroyed former WBO super bantamweight title contender, Cesar Juarez, last month before becoming a champion. He also beat Filipino Neil John Tabanao in 2019.

Wasiru, on the other hand, is yet to face any opponent with the kind of experience and qualities such Juarez and Tabanao. However, the Ghanaian possesses a dangerous right hand which can disturb any opposition on a good day.

Tale of the tape

While Wasiru has 11 knockout wins from 12 professional bouts, Leo stands tall with 20 bouts and nine stoppages. Both fighters are undefeated in their careers as well.

Wasiru, however, has a two-year age advantage over Leo but the American may not have a problem handling the Ghanaian.

Leo has fought nine times since 2018 and travelled the distance in all victories, with the exception of the Juarez win. Meanwhile, Wasiru has recorded five knockouts in six outings since 2018.

Opinion

Wasiru needs a real test before taking on Leo for the world championship in order to be in good shape. In doing so, he must relocate to the US to have two or three warm-up fights before going for a shot at the world title.

Meanwhile, despite fighting the likes of Juarez and Tabanao, Leo has a lot to prove in the division and I believe a fit Wasiru can trouble him.