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Philippines, 18 Feb 2026 |
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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.  |
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