Teofimo Lopez vs. Arnold Barboza Jr.: Live round-by-round updates

Teofimo Lopez defends his WBO and The Ring super lightweight titles this Friday against Arnold Barboza Jr. in New York.

Lopez holds a 21-1 record with 13 knockouts and has gone 5-0 since his lone loss to George Kambosos Jr. He has defeated Josh Taylor, Jamaine Ortiz, and Steve Claggett by unanimous decisions in his last three outings. He holds a 61.9% knockout ratio and a reputation as a pure technician inside the ring.

Barboza enters the fight with a perfect 32-0 record. His knockout percentage sits at 34.4%. Over the last 15 months, Barboza has beaten Jack Catterall, Jose Ramirez, and Jose Pedraza by decision.

Lopez is 4-1 in world title fights and 6-1 in bouts scheduled for 12 rounds. Barboza had never fought in a scheduled 12-round championship fight until winning the WBO interim title in February. Lopez, meanwhile, has fought in six title fights in the last five years.

In terms of size, Barboza stands 5’9” with a 72” reach. Lopez is 5’8” with a 68.5” reach. Lopez has the edge in terms of experience, power, and opposition level. Meanwhile, output, reach, and momentum lean toward Barboza.

Catch Teofimo Lopez vs. Arnold Barboza Jr. live on Friday, May 2nd, from Times Square, New York. Main event ringwalks expected around 11:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. PT, streaming exclusively on DAZN PPV.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for the live coverage and play-by-play updates of the event:

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Round 1

Lopez opens the attack with jabs to the body. He's opening up with several jabs to the body and goes up top. Barboza fires back with straight punches. Lopez is mixing up his attack with left hooks and body shots. A good solid exchange toward the end to close out the round.

Our Score: 10-9 Lopez

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Round 2

Both fighters jab to the body to set up other shots. Sneaky left hand behind the jab by Lopez. Beautiful three-punch combination lands for Lopez. He's slipping punches and making Barboza miss. Barboza counters with two punches after Lopez penetrates his range.

Our Score: 10-9 Lopez (20-18 overall)

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Round 3

Lopez gets back to jabs to the body. Good right hand by Barboza, and Lopez fires back with straight right hands. Straight right by Barboza. Beautiful counter hook from Lopez. Barboza gets caught with another counter after overextending to land a two-punch combination.

Our Score: 10-9 Lopez (30-27 overall)

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Round 4

Lopez's hand speed and movement are affecting Barboza's output. Lopez is fighting a well-structured fight and is now doubling up on body attacks. Stinging jab by Barboza. Lopez lands an uppercut and barely misses with the follow-up strike.

Our Score: 10-9 Lopez (40-36 overall)

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Round 5

Lopez throws a sharp lead uppercut and rolls under Barboza’s counters. A sneaky right hand from Lopez lands flush. Barboza tries to force the action with volume, but Lopez times a check hook beautifully. Barboza closes with a left to the chest, but not enough to swing it.

Our Score: 10-9 Lopez (50-45 overall)

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Round 6

Mike Tyson joins the broadcast and lauds Lopez's dominance. He's circling around Barboza and landing at will. Lopez is in the Philly shell stance now, striking with different angles. Hard right hand from Barboza, and he has Lopez backtracking now. This could very well be the momentum switch that Barboza needed.

Our Score: 10-9 Barboza (59-55 overall)

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Round 7

Barboza starts out as the aggressor in the round. Lopez drops back to his jab attacks to the body and head. Lopez connects with an overhand right, and he's stringing together combinations. Lopez is beating Barboza to the punch again after a brief scare in the sixth round. He swings wild with the overhand right.

Our Score: 10-9 Lopez (69-64 overall)

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Round 8

Lopez snaps Barboza's head with a straight punch. Lopez's footwork, shot selection, and defense, have all been on point in this fight. Solid body shot by Lopez. He's showboating a little bit now and scoring at will.

Our Score: 10-9 Lopez (79-73 overall)

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Round 9

Lopez is in complete control now. He’s walking Barboza down, slipping shots effortlessly, and landing clean counters. Sensational four-punch combination from Lopez. A beautiful pull-counter right stifles Barboza. Lopez digs to the body, then rips an uppercut through the guard. Masterclass stuff from the champion.

Our Score: 10-9 Lopez (89-82 overall)

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Round 10

More of the same in the tenth round. Lopez is controlling range, snapping Barboza’s head back with jabs and catching him with clean hooks as he enters. Barboza looks hesitant now. Lopez is feinting him out of position and punishing every mistake. The minutes are running short for Barboza. He has to invite action and make this a dirty fight.

Our Score: 10-9 Lopez (99-91 overall)

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Round 11

Mike Tyson is blown away by the performance of Lopez. He's in cruise control, dancing around the ring and taunting Barboza. He's slipping punches and landing, and a little Ali shuffle to taunt his rival. Strong jab by Barboza. He's showing some urgency, and Lopez is wise to his opponent's motive. Barboza gets the better of a wild exchange toward the end with an uppercut.

Our Score: 10-9 Lopez (109-100 overall)

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Round 12

Barboza lands a short right hand. Three-punch combination and slip by Lopez. He's trying to close the show, but his corner urges him to stick to the tried and tested formula. Barboza lands a couple of good shots. Ripping body attack by Lopez.

Our Score: 10-9 Lopez (119-109 overall)

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Official Result

Teofimo Lopez defeats Arnold Barboza Jr. by unanimous decision (116-112, 116-112, and 118-110)