Barboza’s Sharpness
Trainer Abel Sanchez is confidently predicting Arnold Barboza Jr. to unseat the current WBO light welterweight champion, Teofimo Lopez, on May 2nd in an undercard fight at Times Square, New York City. Sanchez believes Barboza’s superior boxing skills and recent activity give him the edge. Barboza, known for his agility and quick footwork, is not a heavy puncher, but his technical prowess is unmatched. "Barboza is good at everything," Sanchez told Fight Hub TV. "He’s got great legs, and Teofimo’s activity may be the reason why Barboza wins a decision." Barboza’s last fight was on February 15th against Jack Catterall, and before that, on November 16th against Jose Ramirez. He fought four times in 2024, a stark contrast to Lopez’s more infrequent appearances in the ring.
Active & Ready
Barboza Jr.’s recent activity is a significant factor in Sanchez’s prediction. "Barboza fought not too long ago and he’s going back in," Sanchez explained. "This means the work in the gym isn’t going to be as difficult. It’s now about sharpening up and staying sharp. The weights are right, so all those things are a factor in preparing for a fight." Barboza’s other fights in 2024 were against Sean McComb and Xolisani Ndongeni, rounding out a year of consistent competition. This frequent exposure to high-level boxing has kept Barboza sharp and in peak condition, which could be crucial in an upcoming championship bout.
Technical Superiority
Sanchez firmly believes that Barboza’s technical boxing skills will give him the upper hand. "I think Barboza is the better boxer. He’s got better combinations, better legs, and he positions better. He sees more things than Teo," Sanchez stated. While Lopez is a more aggressive fighter, often likened to a pitbull, Barboza’s ability to outmaneuver and outthink his opponents could lead to a close decision in his favor. Similar to how Jamaine Ortiz posed challenges for Lopez in 2024, Barboza is expected to use his slick style to keep Lopez off balance.
Potential Pitfalls for Lopez
If Lopez gets off to a bad start, it could spell trouble for his championship reign. This is a pattern that was evident in his loss to George Kambosos Jr. in 2021. "When Teo got dropped in the first round by Kambosos, it really unnerved him," Sanchez recalled. "He never got comfortable after that, and although he did manage to knock Kambosos down in the tenth, he didn’t finish strong in the eleventh and twelfth rounds. When George fought back, Lopez mentally crumbled." Barboza’s ability to land early shots and keep Lopez on the defensive could set the tone for the entire fight, potentially leading to a mental and physical breakdown similar to what Lopez experienced against Kambosos.
Do or Die?
The stakes are incredibly high for Barboza Jr. as this fight represents a "do or die" moment in his career. "It’s kind of an advantage for Barboza that he’s a right-hander," Sanchez noted. "He’s going to get some great sparring, and he wins a close decision. Barboza hasn’t shown us he can be overwhelmed. He hasn’t shown us that he can be dropped, and he hasn’t shown us that he can be handled. Maybe this is the fight where Barboza shows us he is the ruler at 140." The pressure of proving himself against a champion like Lopez, especially after being overlooked, could fuel Barboza’s motivation and performance. "Does Barboza have a chip on his shoulder, knowing this is do or die?" Sanchez asked. "It’s like, ‘You overlooked me and now I’m going to show you.’ I think that’s going to play a big role in this."
A Night of Big Fights
The May 2nd card at Times Square, promoted by Turki Alalshikh, is packed with notable bouts. While Barboza-Lopez is a significant undercard match, the main event features Ryan Garcis facing Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero, and the co-feature sees Devin Haney taking on Jose Ramirez. Each fight on the card promises to be a thrilling spectacle, but the Lopez-Barboza Jr. bout is particularly intriguing due to the potential for an upset and the personal stakes for Barboza. Sanchez’s prediction adds to the excitement, suggesting that Barboza’s preparation and composure could make the difference in a closely contested fight.
