Teofimo Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs) defends his WBO World Junior Welterweight Championship against undefeated Arnold Barboza Jr (32-0, 11 KOs) in a high-stakes showdown at Times Square, New York. Lopez, the explosive former unified lightweight king, faces Barboza Jr, a technical operator riding a 32-fight win streak. With contrasting styles and championship hunger, this headline bout on the Garcia vs. Romero: Fatal Fury card promises fireworks.
Teofimo Lopez vs Arnold Barboza Jr Stats Comparison
| Stat | Teofimo Lopez | Arnold Barboza Jr |
|---|
| Age | 27 | 33 |
| Height | 5’8” (173 cm) | 5’9” (175 cm) |
| Reach | 68.5” (174 cm) | 72” (183 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Record | 21-1-0 | 32-0-0 |
| Knockout % | 62% | 34% |
| Pro Rounds | 137 | 210 |
Key Takeaways:
- Lopez holds a 28% power advantage in KO ratio.
- Barboza Jr leverages a 3-inch reach edge and superior volume (210 rounds vs 137).
- Age gap: Lopez is 6 years younger, potentially fresher in later rounds.
Fighter Profiles
Teofimo Lopez: The Powerhouse
- Strengths: Explosive hand speed, fight-ending power in both hands, championship experience.
- Weaknesses: Can be drawn into brawls, stamina questions in decision fights.
- Recent Form: 5 straight wins, including dominant UDs over Josh Taylor and Jamaine Ortiz.
Arnold Barboza Jr: The Technician
- Strengths: Elite jab, footwork, and ring IQ. Uses reach effectively.
- Weaknesses: Lower knockout rate, untested against elite power punchers.
- Recent Form: Undefeated in 32 fights, edged Jack Catterall via split decision in February 2025.
Teofimo Lopez vs Arnold Barboza Jr Prediction: Late Stoppage Likely
Lopez’s 62% KO rate and proven ability to dismantle technicians (see Taylor UD) give him the edge. Barboza Jr’s reach will dictate early rounds, but Lopez’s body attack and counter hooks should wear him down. Expect Lopez to force a TKO between Rounds 8-10 as Barboza Jr fades under pressure.
Predictions & Betting Odds
| Bookmaker | Teofimo Lopez | Arnold Barboza Jr |
|---|
| DraftKings | -230 | +190 |
| FanDuel | -225 | +185 |
Value Bet: Lopez by KO/TKO (+120) – his power advantage justifies this play.
Expert Round-by-Round Analysis
- Rounds 1-3: Barboza Jr establishes the jab, circling to avoid Lopez’s right hand. Lopez targets the body.
- Rounds 4-6: Lopez increases pressure, landing counter left hooks. Barboza Jr’s output dips.
- Rounds 7-9: Lopez dominates exchanges, stunning Barboza Jr with an overhand right. Ref steps in at 2:18 of Round 9.
How to Watch Lopez vs Barboza Jr
- Date: Friday, May 2, 2025
- Ringwalk: 9:00 PM EST / 6:00 PM PST / 2:00 AM BST
- Broadcast: DAZN PPV (Global)
- Stream: DAZN.com
Who Will Win?
Teofimo Lopez (65% win probability): His power and championship pedigree should overcome Barboza Jr’s technical mastery. Lopez’s body work and late-round stamina secure a 9th-round TKO victory.
Pre-Fight FAQs
- What time does Lopez vs Barboza Jr start?
Main event ringwalks at 9:00 PM EST.
- Who is favored to win?
Lopez is a -230 favorite (69% implied probability).
- What’s at stake?
Lopez’s WBO World Junior Welterweight Championship.
📊 Want to dive deeper into the action? Subscribe to our Boxing Data API to access full round-by-round punch stats, detailed analytics, and historical fight data.
