Gabe Rosado predicts upset: Why Arnold Barboza Jr.’s activity and recent victory give him an edge over Theofimolopes

Gabe Rosado gives challenger Arnold Barboza Jr. the edge against WBO light welterweight champion Theo Fimolopez in a 12-round undercard fight on May 2nd’s fatal Fury Card dazn ppv Tides Square in New York City.

Teofimo layoffs

Rosado feels Barboza Jr. (32-0, 11 KO) is in “rhythm” in his career as he is currently active and has recently beaten a good opposition. In his last two fights, Barboza defeated Jacques Cantal and Jose Ramirez. He catches Theo coming out of a layoff for nearly a year.

Gabe says Barboza’s skills and his recent victory over Catterall and Ramirez give him enough advantage to defeat Lopez.

“I think Barboza has a slight edge just because he’s in rhythm. He’s active. He’s busy. Teofimo has been out of the ring for a while. I think Teofimo is a fighter of rhythm. Fighting Hub TVselected Arnold Barboza Jr. to defeat Theofimo Lopez at Times Square in New York City on May 2nd.

Unless Barboza gets hit early by one of Teofimo’s big shots, he has a chance to win. Lopez is at his best early in his fight when he has full power. He goes downhill as the fight progresses, losing many snaps of his power shots.

“Theo is a special fighter with special abilities. It’s difficult to defeat him, but it’s difficult to beat him just because he was inactive. So, Barboza is busy with confidence, so it’s time for now. Barboza has him in the right place.”

Lopez has finished an 11-month layoff since his fight with Steve Claggett last June, and since February last year he hasn’t fought a solid fighter when he won a 12-round unanimous decision against Jamain Ortiz. He didn’t work well in that fight and lost almost every exchange with Ortiz and was lucky in the judges. Barboza Jr. has definitely caught TEO at the right point and could win.

Technical Benefits

“Balboza has the techniques to control his power and speed. He has the basics. So what do you beat speed and what’s unorthodox? Do you remember?

The way Barboza Jr. neutralised Jake Cantal’s tricky style earlier this year in Manchester was impressive. Barboza Jr. avoided many of the sharp counters from Catterall and beat him in front of his fans by the decision to split in 12 rounds. Teofimo’s shots are much easier to predict than Catterall’s shots. If Arnold can do that to this guy, he will do the same to Theo and abdicate him on May 2nd.

“So it’s something you can see in Theo and Barboza. Barboza’s skills and fundamentals keep Theofimo at bay. He doesn’t fall into feint. He’s not overly offensive. He’s patient. He takes his time.

“He’s confident. He went abroad, won the title and beat Ramirez (Jose) overseas. So he’s trapped. When fighters are trapped and active, they’re dangerous.”