Lightweight contender Arnold Barboza Jr. may have just secured his 27th pro win, but he already has his sights set on number 28. After earning a unanimous decision victory against Danielito Zorrilla, Barboza Jr. declared his intention to fight Teofimo Lopez in his next fight.
“My manager knows, if we can’t get a title shot, you know who it is. We want Teofimo. It’s either a title shot or him,” he said.
This is not the first time that Barboza Jr. has expressed an interest in fighting Lopez. Leading up to his showdown with Zorrilla, Barboza Jr. referred to Lopez as a “priority” in the lightweight division.
“Of course, I still see him as a priority,” Barboza Jr. told Boxing Scene.
“I think everybody at 140 should, especially if he wins his next fight.”
Given that both fighters work under the Top Rank umbrella, a fight between the two lightweight contenders should be fairly easy to negotiate. However, Lopez must get by his next opponent first.
Following his upset loss against George Kambosos Jr. last year, Lopez made the decision to move up one decision. In August, he will make his 140 pound debut against Pedro Campa in Las Vegas, Nevada. Lopez is currently a massive favorite at -1900, according to OddsChecker. If he emerges victorious, another win against Barboza Jr. could put him in the title picture.
