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Interim WBO super lightweight champion Arnold Barboza Jr. says his May 2 clash with Teofimo Lopez will be easy.
The confident Golden Boy star battles Lopez on May 2 in New York’s Times Square after defeating Jack Catterall in the UK. Barboza was initially worried that Lopez would avoid his mandatory duty until Turki Alalshikh stepped in to compensate both men for agreeing to the contest.
Barboza now expects to take Lopez’s full WBO belt with minimal fuss.
“This is going to be my easiest fight in my last four fights,” predicted Barboza. “Slap that clown around is what I’m going to do.
“He thinks he’s something special, but he’s been taken care of by Top Rank. But now Top Rank has pulled that cord, and they’re letting him play.”
The 32-0, 11 KOs star added, “May 2, I’m coming out victorious. Doesn’t matter how it happens; it happens.
“Teo sucks, and I’m going to beat him up, that’s it. He is not going to be the same after this, trust me.”
In response, Lopez attempted to drown out the noise from the challenger.
“To be honest, I’m focused on myself. That’s all it is. My biggest competition is myself. I could care less what Arnold has to say on that side. We’re here to take over,” assured the two-weight world champion.”
Asked who would still be on the show on a bill that also features rivals Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney in separate bouts, Lopez added, “The fans are going to steal the show that night.
“That’s what it’s all about. We want everybody to tune in and pull up—it’s open to the public. All of you guys are going to win that night.
“You get three of the hottest commodities in the sport of boxing. But there are six of us, really. I think that’s what’s really going to matter to everyone.
“We’re the face of the next generation of boxing that’s coming in. That’s the most important part. I want everybody to win, outside of Arnold Barboza, that’s about it.”
He concluded, “Listen, guys, I’m 27. I haven’t even hit my prime. You guys have seen a version of me, and I did everything so quickly. So tune in May 2.”
Promoter Oscar De La Hoya, representing Barboza and Garcia, stated, “Ryan Garcia is back, baby. Badder than ever, fresher than ever. I like what I see, man. On May 2, in Times Square, this event could not take place without Ryan Garcia.
“That’s the bottom line. Times Square, half a million people watching, closing down the street. It’s going to be incredible. I’m proud to be a part of it.
“We have three fighters on the Golden Boy roster. This is the opportunity that fighters deserve. This is what boxing is all about, and I’m very proud to be a part of it.”
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Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, an experienced boxing writer and World Boxing News Editor since 2010.
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