Apolinario to Fight for Vacant IBF Flyweight Title
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 01 Apr 2024
The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has ordered the camps of #1 rated contender Angel Ayala Lardizabal of Mexico and #3 Dave Apolinario of the Philippines to start negotiations for a fight to fill up the IBF flyweight title vacated recently by Bam Rodriguez of the USA.
The IBF gives the two sides 30 days from March 28, 2024 to reach an agreement otherwise a purse bidding will be held.
Rodriguez gave up the IBF crown to focus on his challenge of Juan Francisco Estrada of Mexico for his WBC super flyweight belt. Rodriguez is also expected to vacate the WBO title where he is likewise the holder. Both Apolinario and Ayala are also rated by the WBO but not as highly. Japanese Riku Kanu is the top rated contender.
Apolinario is also the top ranked contender in the WBA where the titlist is Seigo Yuri Akui who has opted for an optional defense against fellow Japanese Taku Kuwihara.
The chance to fight for the IBF crown is therefore a most welcome break for the Apolinario who has an unblemished record of 20 wins including 14 by knockout. Apolinario is the former IBO world flyweight titlist, the distinction he earned in 2022 via first round knockout of veteran South African Gideon Buthelezi in East London, South Africa.
He is coming off from two straight wins in Japan but against non-Japanese opponents, by unanimous decision over Mexican Brian Mosimos in August 2023 and via fourth round knockout over Thai Tanes Ongjunta just this February. But both fights were set for just 8 rounds.
His prospective foe, Ayala is also unbeaten with a record of 17 wins, 7 by knockout. Ayala last fought in Mexico in November yet where he closely outpointed ex IBF junior flyweight titlist Felix Alvarado of Nicaragua. Ayala has never fought outside of Mexico.
Actually, Apolinario has several options but vying for the vacant IBF title is the surest and most immediate.
The author Teodoro Medina Reynoso is a veteran boxing radio talk show host living in the Philippines. He can be reached at teddyreynoso@yahoo.com and by phone 09215309477.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Teodoro Medina Reynoso.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Young Tommy: In the Gaze of Dempsey, In the Shadow of Villa
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Mon, 07 Apr 2025Gerry Peñalosa Not Rushing Prized Ward, Two More Fights to Test Kenneth Llover
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 07 Apr 2025IIEE-PSME Quezon City drub Mindoro Tamaraws and Zamboanga Sultans in PCAP
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 07 Apr 2025Richard The Contender: Torrez Dominates Vianello in Las Vegas Heavyweight Showdown
Sun, 06 Apr 2025After 3 tries in his visa application, Filipino GM Joey is now set to conquer the Australian Chess circuit
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 06 Apr 2025Jennifer Lozano Secures Team USA’s Fourth Medal at World Boxing Cup: Brazil 2025
Sun, 06 Apr 2025Victoria Sports Club open rapid chess tournament on April 27
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 06 Apr 2025Questions Surround Tim Tszyu and Joe Joyce Returns to the Ring
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 05 Apr 2025Ancient Warriors, Modern Stage: Kun Khmer in America
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 05 Apr 2025OKC, Cleveland on Target for Season Best Marks, Record Plus 60 Wins, Sub-20 Losses
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 05 Apr 2025NM Bernardino to join 22nd BCC Open 2025 in Thailand
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 05 Apr 2025Weights Locked In for Top Rank's ESPN Boxing Showcase in Las Vegas
Sat, 05 Apr 2025“REVENGE”: SHADY GAMHOUR SEEKS PAYBACK IN REMATCH AGAINST DEVONTAE McDONALD
Sat, 05 Apr 2025Heralded Amateur Star Elijah Lugo Set To Make Pro Debut on Saturday, April 5th in Philadelphia
Sat, 05 Apr 2025Team USA Collects Three Bronze Medals on Day Four in Brazil
Sat, 05 Apr 2025