14 hours Ago By MMA Junkie
Teofimo Lopez defended his WBO world superlightweight title in the middle of Times Square. In one of the most unique boxing venues, Lopez stepped through the ropes on the streets of Times Square in New York to take on Arnold Barboza Jr. The fight served as the first of three "main event" fights at the Fatal Fury: City of Wolves event.
The final fight of the event is a showdown between Ryan Garcia and Rolando Romero. Capitalizing on his hand speed and quickness, Lopez outclassed the previously undefeated Barboza and won the WBO super lightweight title. Lopez took a hard right early that left blood flowing from under his left eye, but he maintained control in the 12-round fight.
The judges scored it 116-112, 116-112, 118-110 for Lopez, who improved to 22-1. Barboza suffered his first loss and fell to 32-1. Teofimo Lopez vs.
Arnold Barboza Jr. round-by-round Round 12: Lopez throws a flurry, then backs away. Doesn't look willing to risk a decision in exchange for going for the KO.
Barboza land two big shots, but Lopez responds. And talks a little trash as the fight comes to a close. Lopez 117, Barboza 111.
Round 11: Mike Tyson analysis on DAZN: "It’s a shutout, I think. I’ve never seen him look like this before. He’s improved as a fighter.
" More showboating from Lopez. Not so much punching. Barboza lands a nice right, followed by another one.
Dancing’s not going to win this round. Lopez 107, Barboza 102. Round 10: Barboza stalking and lands a right, but eats a punch in return.
Lopez staying very active with his left hand. Lopez 98, Barboza 92 Round 9: Lopez keeping his distance, perhaps to protect his apparent advantage on the scorecard. Could the strategy backfire? Well, just like that, Lopez gets revved up.
He pounds Barboza and shows off the footwork on defense again. Barboza fighting back but looks overmatched, especially by Lopez’s speed. Lopez 88, Barboza 83.
Round 8: Lopez leading with his left and throwing rights, too. Barboza landed the hardest punch of the fight, but he looks hesitant – less apt to attack than counterattack. Lopez drills Barboza with a solid body shot and starts showboating, dodging punches.
Lopez 78, Barboza 74. Round 7: Lopez not shaken up by those rights. He comes out firing.
Barboza lands a punch but missed with two. Lopez cloes the gap and delivers a punch to Barboza’s midsection. Lopez showing impressive versatility.
Lopez 68, Barboza 65. Round 6: Lopez could be landing more punches but seems to be enjoying some preening and showboating as he works the ring. Oh, Lopez takes a big right! Barboza follows up with a second right.
Lopez cut underneath his left eye. Lopez 58, Barboza 56. Round 5: Lopez lands a left to the body and takes a counter left to the head.
Barboza looks down but not out. Lopez capitalizing on his quickness and footspeed again. Barboza trying to measure the distance – too far – before he throws his punches.
Lopez scores a hard right then lands a flurry of jabs. Lopez 48, Barboza 47. Round 4: Lopez land a combination almost the moment the bell sounds.
Lopez showing his quickness and footspeed now. An elusive target taking control. Barboza landing the occasional punch, but nearly enough to win a round.
Barboza 38, Lopez 38. Round 3: Lopez firing body shots and throws a hard right, too. Looks comfortable but has yet to press the action.
Barboza responds with a straight right. Lopez lands a hard left and now showing more authority that include another hard right. Barboza 29, Lopez 28.
Round 2: Barboza has set up at the center of the ring, then charges after Lopez. Barboza lands a left and maybe gaining confidence. Barboza throws a solid right counter.
Barboza 20, Lopez 18. Round 1: Arnold Barboza Jr. and Teofimo Lopez both open with left jabs.
Lopez throws a combination and Barboza paws back with the jab. Barboza steps forward and throws a combination. Lopez throws an overhand right, so hard he briefly loses his balance.
Barboza lands a couple of crisp punches. He closes strong but eats a right hand too. Barboza 10, Lopez 9.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Teofimo Lopez wins clear decision over Barboza in Times Square.
