Arnold Barboza jr. (32-0, 11 CO’s) is now the compulsory challenger for the WBO Light Welterweight Champion Theofimo Lopez after his 12-round split victory over Jack Catterall (30-2, 13 COs) Saturday night in Manchester. The Barboza Jr. manager says Theofimo should fight him in Alcatraz Island in June or July.
(Credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing)
Alcatraz calling
It would be an interesting battle for former Alcatraz prison. It would be a disaster that Teo on that island against Barboza jr. Lost, and placed in a position where his three-game contract with Turki Al-Sheikh would be all losses. If you are Turki, he will hopefully place an escape clause in his contract, so he can shower theofimo if he loses the Alcatraz battle.
Barboza jr. Would give theophimo similar problems as Jamaine Ortiz did last year on February 8. The difference is that Barboza jr. Would not be on the gas. If Teo Barboza wanted to fight, he would have had it because he had been his no. 1 was and called him. Theofimo will not fight against him and he knows that this man is likely to continue where George Kambosos jr. Stopped.
It is an interim belt. Relax buddy! Not classified as a world title. I don’t care what one of you makes it look. You know who the right champion is 🦁 #Thetakeover
– Theofimo Lopez (@Teofimolopez) February 16, 2025
Interestingly, many boxing fans feel that it would be an easy victory for theofimo over Barboza, suggesting that they are not familiar with Arnold. If you saw tonight’s struggle and his previous one against Jose Ramirez, you will know that he is a nightmare for the Teo. This is what the native of Brooklyn, New York, has nothing to do with him.
Theofimo still does not have an opponent for his next fight, but it has been talked about following a one -game against IBF champion Richardson Hitchins. However, Hitchins’ promoter Eddie Hearn says there were no deep conversations for the fight yet.
Catterall tried it well but lost by the scores:
115-113 Barboza Jr.
115-113-Catterall
115-113 Barboza Jr.
“We’re going to keep working and practice harder than ever. I’ll be ready for the next one, ”says Arnold Barboza jr. On the Press conference after battle Tonight after his win over Jack Catterall in the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester, England.
Last updated on 02/15/2025
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