Arnold Barboza Jr. bought the end result he anticipated on Jan. 6, an eighth-round knockout of Xolisani Ndongeni. Now it’s on to extra vital challenges.
The 140-pound contender’s victory over Ndongeni was his debut for Golden Boy Promotions and DAZN, which streamed the battle. He couldn’t have been extra happy afterward, though he felt the consequences of an 11-month layoff.
“I believe it was as near an ideal week as you’ll be able to have,” he instructed Boxing Junkie. “All of the media consideration I bought. … I used to be rusty a little bit however I used to be pleased with my efficiency. Now I wish to keep energetic and be that significantly better. I’m excited.
“… I didn’t have to make use of my abilities; I simply walked him down. I’m excited to indicate Golden Boy one other facet of me, my boxing capacity, athleticism.”
Barboza, 32, made the transfer from Prime Rank to Golden Boy in hopes it might result in the massive fights which have eluded him.
And the one he needs most is a title shot towards WBO titleholder and two-division champion Teofimo Lopez. Barboza, who has but to battle for a serious belt, is the sanctioning physique’s prime contender.
“That’s my aim,” he mentioned. “I’m No. 1 within the WBO. I wish to keep that route as a result of that’s my greatest probability to get a title shot. I’m transferring up within the WBC rankings (he’s No. 6), too. In order that’s additionally a risk. Who is aware of what [WBC titleholder Devin] Haney will do. Lopez may transfer up. Who is aware of?
“Something can occur. I’m simply going to return to the gymnasium, preserve my weight down and be prepared when one thing occurs.”
Two different potential opponents additionally battle for Golden Boy, Ryan Garcia and Jose Ramirez, though neither holds a title.
Garcia is a sexy opponent for anybody due to his drawing energy. And a victory over Ramirez, a former beltholder, could be a major step in Barboza’s profession.
“I’ve been making an attempt to get that battle for a yr,” mentioned Barboza, referring to Ramirez. “I’ve been listening to his identify since he beat [Mike] Reed [in 2017], the battle that bought him his first title shot. And now he’s signed with Golden Boy.
“We now have a lot respect for one another. … We’ll see what occurs.”
Barboza, 32, believes he’ll get one massive battle or one other quickly. He simply has to proceed to win and look good doing so.
“I’ll get these massive fights,” he mentioned. “So long as I keep energetic, so long as I battle and win and haven’t any accidents or setbacks. We wish [the Lopez] battle subsequent if I can get it. If I don’t, it’s OK. There are loads of massive fights on the market.
“… I believe 2024 goes to be a terrific yr for me.”
