Teofimo Lopez Skips Face-Off With Arnold Barboza Jr. After Previous Slap Incident

WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez chose not to do a face-off with mandatory challenger Arnold Barboza Jr. during today’s Grand Arrivals in New York City for their fight this Friday, May 2nd, live on DAZN PPV at Times Square.

(Credit: Geoffrey Knott/Matchroom)

Perhaps one reason Teofimo (21-1, 13 KOs) chose not to do a face-off was that the last time he did, he slapped Barboza Jr. across the face after he’d knocked his cowboy hat off. Barboza Jr. was trying to get at Teo so he could tag him back, but never could. If they had done a face-off today, chances are high that Barboza Jr. would have slapped him.

No Fireworks?

“The trains are going to keep going, baby. I’m happy, I’m excited, let’s go,” said Arnold Barboza Jr. during today’s Grand Arrivals in New York City for his fight against WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez this Friday, May 2nd. “I’m very excited to share the ring with him. He’s an awesome fighter. He’s one of the top at 140, right?”

It’s premature to call Teofimo the “top of 140,” because he still hasn’t fought WBC champion Alberto Puello, WBA champ Gary Antuanne Russell, or IBF belt-holder Richardson Hitchins.

“But I’m an awesome fighter, too. It’s going to be fireworks. Let’s go. I’ll stick to my game plan. On May 2nd, it’s time to get active,” said Barboza Jr.

This fight is not going to have fireworks because Teo and Barboza Jr. aren’t sluggers. Teofimo has power, but he never consistently attacks his opponents.

“We’re here to put on a show and warm it up for everybody and take over. I come respectful. That’s my whole thing. I’m always going to come respectful, but he crossed that boundary, and we got to lay it right there,” said Teofimo when asked about him slapping Barboza Jr. during their recent press conference.

“Nevertheless, on Friday, May 2nd, we’re going to handle business. Champion? I’m the champion, rightfully so. He’s not the champion. He’s had to work his way, but he still ain’t there yet. So my whole thing is I’m going to go out there and do what I have to do – have fun and beat the brakes off this boy,” said Teofimo.