Latest news with #Barboza
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Teofimo Lopez outclasses Arnold Barboza Jr. at historic Times Square event, calls out Jaron 'Boots' Ennis
Teofimo Lopez may have been third on the billing for Friday's historic event in New York, but he's still one of the pound-for-pound best in boxing for a reason. Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) was sensational in a 12-round outclassing of Arnold Barboza Jr. to successfully defend his WBO super lightweight title at Ring Magazine's unique and star-studded triple-header, which was staged in the middle of New York's iconic Times Square. Lopez, 27, dominated Barboza (32-1, 11 KOs) from pillar to post, displaying fast hands and stellar defense in a statement-making performance. Advertisement All three ringside judges scored the bout for Lopez — 116-112, 116-112 and 118-110 — toppling Barboza from the ranks of the unbeaten and propelling Lopez closer to the showdown against Jaron "Boots" Ennis he's been pushing for. "I felt great, man. I felt reborn. And at 140 [pounds], you know I've been at this weight for some time now, but we'll talk about me and my team going up [to challenge Ennis]," Lopez said. "You know me, guys. I go after the tough challenges. And yeah, definitely ... I want to see 'Boots.' I'm Dora the Explorer and I'm looking for 'Boots.'" In his sharpest showing since capturing his title against Josh Taylor in 2023, Lopez was a blur of fast hands and slick movement, especially compared to the noticeably slower Barboza. The WBO champion consistently beat Barboza to the punch, leading behind his jab and mixing stiff singles at long range with counters and uppercuts on the inside. Lopez's defense and theatrics hit a fever pitch in the middle rounds as he danced and put on a show while dominating Barboza at every turn. Advertisement Barboza, 33, finally found an opening in the sixth round, catching Lopez clean with a hard counter right hand that swelled up Lopez's left eye. That was ultimately the best shot Barboza landed all night. Lopez continued to pour it in the closing round in pursuit of a stoppage, though in the end he had to settle for a lopsided decision win. Lopez closed the show throwing nearly 150 more punches than Barboza (571-424) while nearly doubling Barboza in landed punches (126-70) and landed jabs (54-38). Catch full results, highlights and play-by-play from Friday's historic Times Square event here, headlined by a welterweight contest pitting the returning Ryan Garcia against Rolando "Rolly" Romero.
USA Today
03-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Teofimo Lopez wins clear decision over Barboza at boxing event in Times Square
Teofimo Lopez wins clear decision over Barboza at boxing event in Times Square Teofimo Lopez picked up a unanimous decision win over Arnold Barboza in the middle of Times Square in New York. Teofimo Lopez defended his WBO world superlightweight title in the middle of Times Square. In one of the most unique boxing venues, Lopez stepped through the ropes on the streets of Times Square in New York to take on Arnold Barboza Jr. The fight served as the first of three "main event" fights at the Fatal Fury: City of Wolves event. The final fight of the event is a showdown between Ryan Garcia and Rolando Romero. Capitalizing on his hand speed and quickness, Lopez outclassed the previously undefeated Barboza and won the WBO super lightweight title. Lopez took a hard right early that left blood flowing from under his left eye, but he maintained control in the 12-round fight. The judges scored it 116-112, 116-112, 118-110 for Lopez, who improved to 22-1. Barboza suffered his first loss and fell to 32-1. Teofimo Lopez vs. Arnold Barboza Jr. round-by-round Round 12: Lopez throws a flurry, then backs away. Doesn't look willing to risk a decision in exchange for going for the KO. Barboza land two big shots, but Lopez responds. And talks a little trash as the fight comes to a close. Lopez 117, Barboza 111. Round 11: Mike Tyson analysis on DAZN: "It's a shutout, I think. I've never seen him look like this before. He's improved as a fighter." More showboating from Lopez. Not so much punching. Barboza lands a nice right, followed by another one. Dancing's not going to win this round. Lopez 107, Barboza 102. Round 10: Barboza stalking and lands a right, but eats a punch in return. Lopez staying very active with his left hand. Lopez 98, Barboza 92 Round 9: Lopez keeping his distance, perhaps to protect his apparent advantage on the scorecard. Could the strategy backfire? Well, just like that, Lopez gets revved up. He pounds Barboza and shows off the footwork on defense again. Barboza fighting back but looks overmatched, especially by Lopez's speed. Lopez 88, Barboza 83. Round 8: Lopez leading with his left and throwing rights, too. Barboza landed the hardest punch of the fight, but he looks hesitant – less apt to attack than counterattack. Lopez drills Barboza with a solid body shot and starts showboating, dodging punches. Lopez 78, Barboza 74. Round 7: Lopez not shaken up by those rights. He comes out firing. Barboza lands a punch but missed with two. Lopez cloes the gap and delivers a punch to Barboza's midsection. Lopez showing impressive versatility. Lopez 68, Barboza 65. Round 6: Lopez could be landing more punches but seems to be enjoying some preening and showboating as he works the ring. Oh, Lopez takes a big right! Barboza follows up with a second right. Lopez cut underneath his left eye. Lopez 58, Barboza 56. Round 5: Lopez lands a left to the body and takes a counter left to the head. Barboza looks down but not out. Lopez capitalizing on his quickness and footspeed again. Barboza trying to measure the distance – too far – before he throws his punches. Lopez scores a hard right then lands a flurry of jabs. Lopez 48, Barboza 47. Round 4: Lopez land a combination almost the moment the bell sounds. Lopez showing his quickness and footspeed now. An elusive target taking control. Barboza landing the occasional punch, but nearly enough to win a round. Barboza 38, Lopez 38. Round 3: Lopez firing body shots and throws a hard right, too. Looks comfortable but has yet to press the action. Barboza responds with a straight right. Lopez lands a hard left and now showing more authority that include another hard right. Barboza 29, Lopez 28. Round 2: Barboza has set up at the center of the ring, then charges after Lopez. Barboza lands a left and maybe gaining confidence. Barboza throws a solid right counter. Barboza 20, Lopez 18. Round 1: Arnold Barboza Jr. and Teofimo Lopez both open with left jabs. Lopez throws a combination and Barboza paws back with the jab. Barboza steps forward and throws a combination. Lopez throws an overhand right, so hard he briefly loses his balance. Barboza lands a couple of crisp punches. He closes strong but eats a right hand too. Barboza 10, Lopez 9.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Teofimo Lopez outclasses Arnold Barboza Jr. at historic Times Square event, calls out 'Boots' Ennis
Teofimo Lopez may have been third on the billing for Friday's historic event in New York, but he's still one of the pound-for-pound best in boxing for a reason. Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) was sensational in a 12-round outclassing of Arnold Barboza Jr. to successfully defend his WBO super lightweight title in Ring Magazine's unique event and star-studded triple-header, which was staged in the middle of New York's iconic Times Square. Lopez, 27, dominated Barboza (32-1, 11 KOs) from pillar to post, displaying fast hands and stellar defense in a statement-making performance. Advertisement All three ringside judges scored the bout for Lopez: 116-112, 116-112 and 118-110, toppling Barboza from the ranks of the unbeaten and propelled Lopez closer to the big bout against Jaron "Boots" Ennis he's been pushing for. "I felt great, man. I felt reborn. And at 140 [pounds], you know I've been at this weight for some time now, but we'll talk about my and my team going up [to challenge Ennis]," Lopez said. "You know me, guys. I go after the tough challenges. And yeah, definitely ... I want to see 'Boots.' I'm Dora the Explorer and I'm looking for 'Boots.'" Advertisement In his sharpest showing since capturing his title against Josh Taylor in 2023, Lopez was a blur of fast hands and slick movement compared to the noticeably slower Barboza. The WBO champion consistently beat Barboza to the punch, leading behind his jab and mixing stiff singles at long range with counters and uppercuts on the inside. Lopez's defense and theatrics hit a fever pitch in the middle rounds as he danced and put on a show while dominating Barboza at every turn. Barboza, 33, finally found an opening in the sixth round, catching Lopez clean with a hard counter right hand that swelled up Lopez's left eye, however that would ultimately be the best shot Barboza landed all night. Lopez continued to pour it in the closing round in pursuit of a stoppage, however he ultimately had to settle for a lopsided decision win. Lopez closed the show throwing nearly 150 more punches than Barboza (571-424) while nearly doubling Barboza in landed punches (126-70) and landed jabs (54-38). Catch full results, highlights and play-by-play from Friday's historic Times Square event here, headlined by welterweight contest pitting Ryan Garcia against Rolando "Rolly" Romero.
Forbes
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Teofimo Lopez Vs. Arnold Barboza Jr. Fight: Odds, Predictions, Picks
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 04: Teofimo Lopez and Arnold Barboza Jr. face off during a press ... More conference at Palladium Times Square on March 04, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Cris Esqueda/) One of the most anticipated boxing cards of the year takes place on Friday, May 2. The 'FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves' event, which is headlined by a boxing match between Ryan Garcia and Rolando 'Rolly' Romero, also features two other fights. In the co-main event, Devin Haney faces Jose Carlos Ramirez. Meanwhile, in the fight card opener, Teofimo Lopez puts his WBO light welterweight title on the line against Arnold Barboza Jr. We look at the Lopez vs. Barboza Jr. fight betting odds, picks, and predictions. The opening betting odds for this matchup saw Lopez come in as the -300 favorite over Barboza, who was initially listed as the +180 betting underdog. Those lines have shifted slightly in favor of the challenger. Today, Lopez is -260, while Barboza checks in at +180. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 04: Teofimo Lopez and Arnold Barboza Jr. face off in Times Square on ... More March 04, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Cris Esqueda/) Teofimo Lopez (21-1 with 13 KOs) is riding a five-fight winning streak since he lost the WBA, IBF, and WBO lightweight belts to George Kambosos Jr. in November 2021. Lopez captured the WBO light welterweight crown in June 2023 with a decision win over Josh Taylor. He has defended the belt twice, beating Jamaine Ortiz and Steve Claggett on points. Barboza (32-0 with 11 KOs) won the vacant interim WBO light welterweight belt in February with a split decision win over Jack Catterall. The victory was Barboza's eighth decision in in nine outings dating back to August 2020. ESPN has Lopez ranked at No. 1 in the 140-pound division, while Barboza checks in at No. 3 in those rankings. The man between them at No. 2 is Devin Haney, who also competes on the May 2 fight card against the unranked Jose Ramirez. Lopez has not fought since June 2024, while Barboza has two fights since November 2024, most recently competing in February. Record: 21-1 with 13 knockouts Age: 27 Height: 5'8" Reach: 68.5" Stance: Orthodox Record: 32-0 with 11 knockouts Age: 33 Height: 5'9" Reach: 72" Stance: Orthodox The big question surrounding this fight, and every fight since Lopez lost to George Kambosos Jr. in 2021 via split decision following his impressive 2020 win over Vasiliy Lomachenko, is what version of Lopez shows up? To be fair, Lopez was unprepared for Kambosos on that night, but he is 5-0 since then, and while he hasn't looked spectacular in some of those fights, he has won. With that in mind, any expectation Lopez will be ill-prepared for a title fight against a dangerous undefeated opponent with much less to lose than Lopez might be considered an unfounded concern. A secondary question is whether Lopez is the same fighter at 140 pounds as he was at 135 pounds. As for the fight itself, this is a matchup between two skilled technical competitors, with one of them (Lopez) having much more high-level in-ring experience. However, what Barboza lacks in competition, he makes up for in volume. Barboza has stepped into the ring four times in 2024 and once in 2025. He has fought twice since Lopez's June 2024 victory over Steve Claggett. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 10: Teofimo Lopez and Arnold Barboza Jr. face off during a press ... More conference at The Mayan on March 10, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Cris Esqueda/) Lopez is a fighter who can allow his opponent dictate the style of the fight, which is exactly what Barboza wants in this matchup. If Barboza can keep the fight to the outside and use his defensive acumen and ability to not get involved in a fire fight, he could slowly bank rounds until he leaves Lopez with no choice to get aggressive and sloppy and looking for a knockout, which the steadfast Barboza should also be able to use to his advantage. No matter how you look at it, there is betting value in Barboza. He entered his past two fights against Jose Ramirez and Jack Catterall as the underdog. He won both of those contests by decision, so he enters Friday's matchup not just with momentum, but with confidence. Yes, Lopez is a step up in competition and he is a bigger betting favorite than Ramirez and Catterall were, but Barboza won those fights, and that's not nothing. The betting pick is for Arnold Barboza Jr. to beat Teofimo Lopez via decision for the biggest win of his boxing career. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 10: Teofimo Lopez looks on during a press conference at The Mayan on ... More March 10, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Cris Esqueda/) 'It's a good matchup, good fight, fire with bigger fire,' Lopez told The Ring. 'But I'm just here to flow wit' it, to be water at the same time, and kinda steam it up. But, you know, the real job is May 2nd. That's really what my whole purpose of this is. … I'm just excited, thankful and ready to kick ass May 2nd.' 'Top Rank didn't protect me from him,' Lopez said of charges that he had been 'protected" by the promoter. 'It's just I was calling the shots in Top Rank's office. It's not protecting. It didn't make sense at that point. Who is he? I mean, after 32 professional fights you just get your first interim world title? My 15th pro fight, I had my first world title. 'It's a big difference. You know what I'm saying? Half of all his fights, I've accomplished more. And I'm looking forward to doing more this year, especially with the phenomenal team I have alongside of me – [co-managers] Mike [Borao] and Keith Connolly – I think it's gonna be great.' 'I haven't seen his fight with Catterall,' Lopez said of Barboza's most recent win. 'I heard it was back and forth. It was a close fight. I could [not] care less. Now he's gonna find out why things happen the way they do, and why people actually end up trying to run away from me when they feel my punches. But nevertheless, can't rely on that. Gotta rely on my skills.' 'I think things progressed that way, just the way the boxing business is,' Lopez added. 'I think Barboza has been asking somewhat for me, so I think it was just gonna line up that way eventually, with the WBO and having him as my mandatory. So, it's business. I'm sure they have hopes of Barboza possibly beating me and becoming the new face of the 140 division.' LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 10: Arnold Barboza Jr. speaks during a press conference at The Mayan ... More on March 10, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Cris Esqueda/) 'I haven't even heard these comments until now, but my response is, 'Look at my last three fights versus his last three, and who's fought the better opposition?'' Barboza asked after being told that Lopez said he was not concerned with his upcoming opponent. 'The fights I've taken are supposed to be close, as I'm fighting three of the top five guys in my division within just over a five-month period,' Barboza said. 'That's an old-school mentality. You can argue Ramirez is in the top five. Catterall was top two or three. And Teofimo is No. 1. I went over there [to fight England's Catterall in Manchester], in hostile territory, something Teo hasn't done. 'He hasn't gone into someone's backyard with 15,000 people booing him. I had to travel 18 hours to Saudi [to fight Ramirez]. [Lopez] hasn't been through this. I have. I literally have earned this the hard way. He hasn't done that. So he doesn't know what he's talking about.' 'Our fight has the highest stakes, fighting for a belt and for bad blood,' Barboza added. 'I'm expecting the best Teofimo there's ever been because I know he knows he's in for a fight. I don't want any excuses. We're ready. To me, this is the fight, like [Juan Manuel] Marquez in that fourth fight against [Manny] Pacquiao – I can't see past him at all.' We will have more on the upcoming Lopez vs. Barboza fight and the entire Garcia vs. Romero fight card, including updated betting odds, and picks and predictions, as fight night nears.
Forbes
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Teofimo Lopez Vs. Arnold Barboza Jr. Opening Betting Odds
One of the most anticipated boxing cards of the year is on the horizon. The May 2 'FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves' event, which is headlined by a matchup between Ryan Garcia and Rolando 'Rolly' Romero, also features two other fights. In the co-main event, Devin Haney faces Jose Carlos Ramirez. Meanwhile, in the fight card opener, Teofimo Lopez puts his WBO light welterweight title on the line against Arnold Barboza Jr.. We look at the opening betting odds and line movement for the Lopez vs. Barboza scrap. Teofimo Lopez (21-1 with 13 KOs) is riding a five-fight winning streak since he lost the WBA, IBF, and WBO lightweight belts to George Kambosos Jr. in November 2021. Lopez captured the WBO light welterweight crown in June 2023 with a decision win over Josh Taylor. He has defended the belt twice, beating Jamaine Ortiz and Steve Claggett on points. Barboza (32-0 with 11 KOs) won the vacant interim WBO light welterweight belt in February with a split decision win over Jack Catterall. The victory was Barboza's eighth decision in in nine outings dating back to August 2020. ESPN has Lopez ranked at No. 1 in the 140-pound division, while Barboza checks in at No. 3 in those rankings. The man between them at No. 2 is Devin Haney, who also competes on the May 2 fight card against the unranked Jose Ramirez. Lopez has not fought since June 2024, while Barboza has two fights since November 2024, most recently competing in February. The opening betting odds for this matchup saw, Lopez open as the -300 favorite over Barboza, who was initially listed as the +180 betting underdog. Those lines have shifted slightly in favor of the challenger. Today, Lopez is -280, while Barboza checks in at +180. Ryan Garcia Vs. Rolando 'Rolly' Romero Opening Odds 'It's a good matchup, good fight, fire with bigger fire,' Lopez told The Ring. 'But I'm just here to flow wit' it, to be water at the same time, and kinda steam it up. But, you know, the real job is May 2nd. That's really what my whole purpose of this is. … I'm just excited, thankful and ready to kick ass May 2nd.' 'Top Rank didn't protect me from him,' Lopez said of charges that he had been 'protected" by the promoter. 'It's just I was calling the shots in Top Rank's office. It's not protecting. It didn't make sense at that point. Who is he? I mean, after 32 professional fights you just get your first interim world title? My 15th pro fight, I had my first world title. 'It's a big difference. You know what I'm saying? Half of all his fights, I've accomplished more. And I'm looking forward to doing more this year, especially with the phenomenal team I have alongside of me – [co-managers] Mike [Borao] and Keith Connolly – I think it's gonna be great.' 'I haven't seen his fight with Catterall,' Lopez said of Barboza's most recent win. 'I heard it was back and forth. It was a close fight. I could [not] care less. Now he's gonna find out why things happen the way they do, and why people actually end up trying to run away from me when they feel my punches. But nevertheless, can't rely on that. Gotta rely on my skills.' 'I think things progressed that way, just the way the boxing business is,' Lopez added. 'I think Barboza has been asking somewhat for me, so I think it was just gonna line up that way eventually, with the WBO and having him as my mandatory. So, it's business. I'm sure they have hopes of Barboza possibly beating me and becoming the new face of the 140 division.' 'I haven't even heard these comments until now, but my response is, 'Look at my last three fights versus his last three, and who's fought the better opposition?'' Barboza asked after being told that Lopez said he was not concerned with his upcoming opponent. 'The fights I've taken are supposed to be close, as I'm fighting three of the top five guys in my division within just over a five-month period,' Barboza said. 'That's an old-school mentality. You can argue Ramirez is in the top five. Catterall was top two or three. And Teofimo is No. 1. I went over there [to fight England's Catterall in Manchester], in hostile territory, something Teo hasn't done. 'He hasn't gone into someone's backyard with 15,000 people booing him. I had to travel 18 hours to Saudi [to fight Ramirez]. [Lopez] hasn't been through this. I have. I literally have earned this the hard way. He hasn't done that. So he doesn't know what he's talking about.' 'Our fight has the highest stakes, fighting for a belt and for bad blood,' Barboza added. 'I'm expecting the best Teofimo there's ever been because I know he knows he's in for a fight. I don't want any excuses. We're ready. To me, this is the fight, like [Juan Manuel] We will have more on the upcoming Lopez vs. Barboza fight, including updated betting odds, and picks and predictions, as fight night nears.
