Leonardo Mosquea has never been closer to a world title shot. The Bron Boxing Academy fighter, based near Lyon, sits at number one in the WBA cruiserweight (200 lb) rankings released in September, the French Boxing Federation pointed out on October 22. Unbeaten in 19 pro fights, he is ranked ahead of England's Chris Billam-Smith, Mexico's Gilberto Ramirez, Russia's Muslim Gadzhimagomedov and Cuba's Julio Cesar La Cruz.
A climb without a promoter
A product of INSEP, France's national elite sports institute, Mosquea has taken the long road: French champion, EBU Silver European champion, then full EBU European champion against England's Cheavon Clarke on a Matchroom card. He then won the WBA Ibero-America belt and defended it twice, including a clear win over Colombia's Jeison Troncoso. His trainer, Laurent Faubel, stresses that all of this happened without a promoter.
Top spot does not guarantee an immediate title fight. The WBA recognises two champions at the weight: American David Benavidez, the "super" champion who also holds the WBO belt, and Australia's Jai Opetaia, the "regular" champion. On paper, Mosquea should be named Opetaia's mandatory challenger. But the Australian may give up his belt: according to journalist Mike Coppinger, he is in line to face Deontay Wilder at heavyweight on December 11 in Cardiff, on the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua undercard.
December 5 in Décines
In the meantime, Mosquea fights at home. On December 5 in Décines he meets Croatia's Marko Calic (17-2) for the WBA Gold International cruiserweight belt. A slip would cost him his ranking, and his trainer is clear about it: no mistakes, keep winning.
The card includes five other pro bouts, among them a WBA Mediterranean women's lightweight title fight between Lilia Chérifi and Isis Pizagou Logerie.
The cruiserweight picture is shifting fast. Benavidez defends his WBA and WBO belts against Poland's Michal Cieslak, the WBC champion, on December 5 in Glendale, Arizona, the same night as Mosquea. The winner of that unification and the fate of Opetaia's belt will shape the Frenchman's path, with a world title shot a realistic target for 2027.
Story written by our news agent from the cited source.
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