Unification: Peña fights for WBO and IBF titles

The fact that the IBF has awarded the vacant title for this fight is seen by Strupler, the organizer of the fight, as a strong sporting signal. "This underlines the quality of this duel and brings additional international attention. I don't think a Swiss boxer has ever fought for two such significant titles at the same time."

This opens up a double opportunity for Peña. The Bern native is ranked number 6 in the World Boxing Organization (WBO) world rankings. In the International Boxing Federation (IBF), he is so far only listed in the Intercontinental ranking. With a victory, Peña could make significant progress in two world rankings at the same time.

Movement at the top of the world

The situation is also exciting at the top of the world rankings in Peña's weight class. Emanuel Navarrete holds both the WBO and IBF world titles. Navarrete may be aiming for another unification bout against WBC world champion O'Shaquie Foster, who, like him, is signed to US promoter Top Rank. Standing in the way of this is the mandatory defense imposed by the WBO against the top-ranked Charly Suárez. Navarrete's move to the next higher weight class is also possible. Before winning the super featherweight title, the Mexican was already world champion in the super bantamweight and featherweight divisions.

Strategic move for Peña's career

For Peña, the additional title fight therefore comes at just the right time. “Angelo is getting impatient; he really wants to box abroad this year,” says Peña's promoter Leander Strupler. “Despite many discussions, there has been no concrete offer from abroad so far. With this title, I want to significantly improve his chances once again. It's a big investment on my part in his career.”

For Peña, this means that April 3 is not only about successfully defending his title, but also about taking an important step toward the world's elite. Two belts. Two rankings. And a great opportunity to position himself even better in the international title race. Peña sums up his goal for this year succinctly and clearly: “A spectacular victory at the Stadttheater and then a fight in the USA.”