Teofimo Lopez’s Next Fight: Barboza Jr. Demands Alcatraz Battle

Arnold Barboza Jr. sent a message to Teofimo Lopez today, telling him he’s got to fight him next in Alcatraz after he became his WBO mandatory with a 12-round split decision win over Jack Catterall in a title eliminator in Manchester.

Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs) will decide whether to defend his WBO light welterweight title against Barboza Jr. (32-0, 11 KOs), vacate, or have the belt stripped from him by the sanctioning body. Turki Al-Sheikh will decide who Teofimo faces next.

Turki’s Influence

In a cryptic post from Teofimo on X today, he said this to Turki:

“I am shaking my crazy head, Turki Alalshikh; nevertheless, I respect your wishes. From one lion to another.”

Some fans believe that Turki told Teofimo that he wants him to fight Barboza Jr. next, and he’s unhappy about it. Teo has steered clear of the talented Barboza Jr. for four years, ignoring him since moving up to 140 and mainly focusing on lesser opposition.

If Turki forces Teofimo to fight him, the jig could be up for him and his career. Top Rank has been keeping Lopez going with their protective matchmaking like they’ve done with Keyshawn Davis.

Without them matching him selectively, his career would have been over a long time ago because he’s not the fighter that people had thought after his win over Vasily Lomachenko five years ago.

“Teofimo has his back against the corner. Now people know why he’s been ducking me for the past four years,” said Arnold Barboza Jr. to Ring Magazine tonight, talking about how he’s got WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez trapped after defeating Jack Catterall in a 140-lb title eliminator to become Teo’s mandatory.

“Now, it’s time to put up or shut up or vacate. So, let’s see what he does. I think if you put me and Teo in Alcatraz, I think that’s going to be an amazing war. That one, I’m coming to war. My manager is getting on it. He’s going to Saudi, and he’s probably going to be talking to Turki and see what we can do,” said Barboza Jr.

All the emotions after the biggest win of @jrBarbozaArnold‘s career ♥️#CatterallBarboza pic.twitter.com/WhaRQt5oxe

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) February 15, 2025