Teofimo Lopez slapped Arnold Barboza as their pre-fight press convention threatened to spill over.
Lopez and Barboza will meet in an enormous super-lightweight showdown in a primary ever boxing present in New York’s Instances Sq. on Could 2.
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The pair got here face-to-face within the second leg of their press tour, with tensions largely stored to a minimal of their first exchanges.
However because the pair had been delivered to share a face-off, issues obtained shortly out of hand.
Barboza made the primary transfer as he nudged Lopez’s hat from his head on to the bottom.
The champion then gave his rival a shove as promoter Oscar De La Hoya tried to get in between the pair.
However ‘The Takeover’ was clearly agitated and handed his belts to a member of his workforce.
As they got here again nearer collectively, Lopez noticed his alternative and slapped his opponent together with his left hand.
Barboza was incensed and tried to cost in the direction of his opponent however was dragged away by safety.
Lopez gave a wry smile after his low cost shot, which didn’t absolutely join, glad he had obtained one up on his new foe.
The stakes couldn’t be greater of their conflict with Barboza gunning to grab the WBO title.
He can be full of confidence having just lately edged previous Jack Catterall on UK soil to earn his shot.
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Lopez in the meantime hasn’t fought since June final 12 months and can be trying ahead to ending his hiatus, and getting his title again within the combine.
He’s on a six struggle profitable streak, with actual momentum after his beautiful defeat to George Kambosos Jr in November 2021.
He was actually within the temper to trigger chaos, additionally buying and selling insults on stage with Ryan Garcia.
Garcia can be in motion on the identical card taking up Rolly Romero subsequent in a comeback conflict.
And Lopez believes Barbosa is a stepping stone to greater fights, which may embrace an enormous showdown with ‘King Ry’.
That is the largest struggle of his life, and that is simply one other stepping stone in my profession, and we accomplished that,” he stated.
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“Put him in entrance of me and I’m at all times going to beat him.
“We’re going to point out all people on Could the 2nd, why we’re the reality, and why we’re the parable.
“I sit up for what Arnold Barboza desires to convey to the desk, however I assure you, it’s so much totally different once you’re within the ring with me for certain.”
Garcia himself known as for a shot at Lopez, however the pair might want to choose up large wins on the historic invoice.
Lopez’s rival can also be set to first rematch Devin Haney with a sequel deliberate in October, if the latter beats Jose Ramirez on the identical slate.
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