Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya believes his undefeated super-lightweight prospect Arnold Barboza Jr boasts all the qualities and mindset needed to claim the scalp of world champion Teofimo Lopez in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The Los-Angeles-based fighter is unbeaten in 32 professional fights and set-up a mouthwatering dust-up with Lopez courtesy of an enthralling split-decision success over British star Jack Catterall in February.
His success in the United Kingdom gained him mandatory status for a crack at Lopez's WBO and Ring Magazine belts, and whilst the former undisputed super-lightweight king heads into the dust-up favourite, De La Hoya believes there's every chance his man can upset the odds.
"I think (Arnold) Barboza's style, I think his IQ is going to play a big factor in this fight," the esteemed six-weight world champion told Boxing News in the build-up to the fight.
"Yes, Teofimo (Lopez) is a great fighter, and I don't throw the term 'great' out there loosely, because, for me, he is a great fighter - he knows how to put things together.
"His combination work, his foot work is great, he has it all, but Barboza's style, his technique, his mind is very powerful.
If he can put all of that together, and remains focussed 100 percent throughout the fight, then he can give a lot of trouble to Teofimo, and even possibly knock him out.
"He undoubtedly has that power and he has the IQ - it's going to be a very interesting fight!"
Barboza Jr is one of three fighters flying the flag for De La Hoya and Golden Boy in New York this weekend, along with Ryan Garcia and Jose Ramirez.
Super-lightweight star Garcia is jumping up to welterweight to tackle the dangerous Rolando Romero at the top of the Times Square bill, whilst Ramirez will bid to dent Devin Haney's plans for a blockbuster rematch with Garcia later this year.
"I'm nervous, but I always get nervous; it's like having three of your own kids up there fighting," De La Hoya added.
"I have 50 fighters, like 50 kids, at Golden Boy promotions and I try to give them all the advice possible and to try and position them ready for this type of situation.
"The fact that we have three fighters on a card of this nature is a testament to the work that we all do here."
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