This Friday, May 2, history will be made when, for the first time ever, a boxing event will be held in Times Square. A tripleheader worth of the occasion will headline the event, featuring some of boxing’s biggest stars; the card will feature: Ryan Garcia versus Rolly Romero, Devin Haney versus Jose Ramirez, and Teofimo Lopez versus Arnold Barboza Jr.
The first match of the tripleheader lineup could be the most interesting in that it could be a brawl or a technical boxing match, depending on how aggressive the lineal champion Teofimo chooses to be.
Arnold Barboza Jr. (32-0, 11 KOs) is an undefeated boxer whose level of competition has significantly increased recently. In his last three matches, he’s fought Jack Catterall, Jose Ramirez, and Sean McComb. They’ve all been somewhat close fights, none more so than his match against Sean McComb. Although Barboza was awarded the split decision victory, debatably so, there are some who feel he lost the match.
McComb outpunched and outlanded Barboza 107 to 99, respectively. Holding him to single digits in landed punches in five of the twelve rounds. He did so by boxing a technical match utilizing lateral movement, range, and an effective jab. Barboza has admitted Lopez is an athletic boxer. It is that athleticism which will allow Teo to replicate McComb’s boxing performance, if he chooses to do so.
Teofimo Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs) is agile, quick, and mobile. He can box a technically sound match if he elects to, but he is sometimes unpredictable and instead opts to brawl when he shouldn’t. In his last match against the volume, pressure fighter Steve Claggett, he boxed intelligently by boxing him with a similar approach utilized by McComb against Barboza. In doing so, Lopez was able to diminish Claggett’s offensive effectiveness.
Holding him to a total connect percentage of 17 percent through 12 rounds, minimizing his total offense drastically. Claggett, a volume puncher who on average threw 102.7 punches per round prior to Lopez, was held to lows of 54 against Teo due to his inability to reach a moving target. Barboza had difficulties against McComb due to his mobility, a skill set Lopez possesses, and if utilized effectively, can make it difficult offensively for Barboza (Compubox).
Teo boxed well against Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor but mistakenly took the wrong approach against George Kambosos, choosing to stay in the pocket and exchange, instead of boxing him. Kambosos could have baited Lopez into fighting his fight by attacking him with verbal insults throughout the buildup of the fight.
In this match against Barboza, he appears very energetic and game for the match, and although he did slap Barboza at the presser in Los Angeles, he appears controlled to the point where he is cognizant of what strategy to employ against Arnold. There is some animosity and resentment on Barboza’s side for being overlooked for a bout by Lopez many years ago.
Teo viewed Barboza as undeserving of a match and felt he was unaccomplished. Lopez must not underestimate Arnold and needs to take him seriously; he poses a legitimate threat, and if Teo underperforms, he could find himself on the losing end. Lopez must perform and execute to his full potential; if he does so, he will win the match.
Last Updated on 04/28/2025
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