Arnold Barboza Jr. got the result he was hoping for on January 6, an eighth-round knockout of Xolisani Ndongeni. Now we have to face more important challenges.
The 140-pound contender’s victory over Ndongeni was his debut for Golden Boy Promotions and DAZN, which broadcast the fight. He couldn’t have been more pleased afterwards, although he felt the effects of an 11-month layoff.
“I think it was as close to a perfect week as you can get,” he told Boxing Junkie. “I received all the media attention. … I was a little rusty but I was happy with my performance. Now I want to stay active and be much better. I’m excited.
“…I didn’t have to use my skills; I just accompanied him. “I’m excited to show Golden Boy another side of me, my boxing ability and my athleticism.”
Barboza, 32, moved from Top Rank to Golden Boy in the hopes that it would lead to the big fights that have eluded him.
And what he wants most is a title shot against WBO titleholder and two-division champion Teofimo Lopez. Barboza, who has yet to fight for a major belt, is the sanctioning body’s top contender.
“That’s my goal,” he said. “I am number one in the WBO. I want to continue on that path because it’s my best chance to get a title shot. I am also rising in the WBC rankings (he is number 6). So that’s also a possibility. Who knows what? [WBC titleholder Devin] Haney will do. López could rise. Who knows?
“Anything can happen. I’ll just get back in the gym, keep my weight down and be ready when something happens.”
Two other potential opponents are also fighting for Golden Boy, Ryan García and José Ramírez, although neither has a title.
García is an attractive opponent for anyone due to his drawing power. And a victory over Ramirez, a former champion, would be a significant step in Barboza’s career.
“I’ve been trying to get that fight for a year,” Barboza said, referring to Ramirez. “I’ve been hearing his name since he beat [Mike] Rush [in 2017], the fight that gave him his first title shot. And now he has signed with Golden Boy.
“We respect each other a lot. … We’ll see what happens.”
Barboza, 32, believes he will soon have one big fight or another. He just has to keep winning and look good doing it.
“I’ll do those big fights,” he said. “As long as I stay active, as long as I fight and win and don’t have any injuries or setbacks. We want [the Lopez] Fight next if I can get it. If I don’t, it’s okay. There are a lot of big fights out there.
“…I think 2024 will be a big year for me.”
